Many dismiss the African star apple, often known as cherry, as a fruit for children as most of them love it. However, to prevent malaria, everyone should enjoy the fruit, which is currently in season.

Botanically called Chrysophyllum albidum, African star apple is an edible tropical fruit known by various tribal names. It is called Utieagadava in Urhobo, Agbalumo in Yoruba, Udala in Ibo, Efik and Ibibio, and Ehya in Igala and Agwaluma in Hausa tribes of Nigeria.

Even when there is malaria, consuming it while on malaria treatment with Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs), the commonly prescribed malaria medicine, can help boost its effectiveness in treating the disease.

In a new study, researchers found that African star apple has the potential to increase the antimalarial property of artemether-lumefantrine and can play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of these drugs in ridding the body of the parasite that causes malaria.

Artemisinin-lumefantrine is a widely recommended ACT for malaria treatment. It combines the rapid action of artemisinin with the longer-acting lumefantrine, providing effective malaria parasite clearance and preventing its recurrence. However, challenges such as resistance have necessitated the exploration of adjunct therapies.