How Tu Youyou Adapted Traditional Chinese Medicine To Find Cure For Malaria

The story of how Tu Youyou adapted traditional Chinese medicine to find a cure for malaria is one of perseverance, determination, and innovation. Tu Youyou, a Chinese scientist, dedicated her life's work to combat one of the deadliest diseases known to mankind - malaria. Through her research and tireless efforts, she discovered a breakthrough treatment that has saved countless lives around the world.

The Battle Against Malaria

Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, has plagued humanity for centuries. It is estimated that malaria kills more than 400,000 people every year, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Traditional treatments for malaria involved the use of quinine, an anti-malarial drug derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the parasite made these traditional treatments ineffective.

FEVER: How Tu Youyou Adapted Traditional Chinese Medicine to Find a Cure for Malaria (Moments in Science)

by Darcy Pattison (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1849 KB
Print length	:	99 pages
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Tu Youyou's Journey

Born in 1930 in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China, Tu Youyou was a brilliant scientist who dedicated her career to finding a cure for malaria. In the 1960s, when the Chinese government was grappling with a surge in malaria cases, Tu was given the responsibility of leading a team of researchers at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences to find a solution.

Driven by traditional Chinese medicine and armed with ancient texts, Tu and her team came across an herbal remedy mentioned in a 1,600-year-old text called "Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies." This ancient text described a plant called Artemisia annua that showed potential in treating malaria symptoms.

Against all odds, Tu embarked on a journey to isolate the active compound in Artemisia annua and develop a treatment. She encountered numerous challenges, ranging from limited laboratory facilities to skepticism from the scientific community. However, her determination and belief in the power of traditional Chinese medicine kept her going.

The Breakthrough

After months of experimentation, Tu and her team successfully extracted the active compound, which they named artemisinin, from Artemisia annua. Artemisinin proved to be highly effective in treating malaria, even in cases resistant to other drugs. The discovery revolutionized malaria treatment and led to the development of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which is now the most potent treatment for the disease.

Tu's work gained global recognition, and in 2015, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her significant contribution to the field of malaria research. Her adaptation of traditional Chinese medicine brought hope to millions suffering from malaria and paved the way for future breakthroughs in healthcare.

Legacy and Impact

Tu Youyou's remarkable achievement not only saved countless lives from malaria but also highlighted the invaluable knowledge present within traditional medicine systems. It showcased the importance of exploring indigenous healing practices and integrating them with modern scientific approaches to tackle global health challenges.

Today, artemisinin-based combination therapies are the gold standard in malaria treatment and have had a significant impact on reducing the mortality rates associated with the disease. Tu's legacy continues to inspire scientists, researchers, and medical professionals to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and modern healthcare.

Tu Youyou's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the potential of traditional medicine. Her groundbreaking research and adaptation of traditional Chinese medicine have revolutionized the field of malaria treatment and brought hope to millions worldwide. Tu's legacy will forever be remembered as an inspiration for future generations in the pursuit of finding innovative solutions to humanity's most challenging health problems.

FEVER: How Tu Youyou Adapted Traditional Chinese Medicine to Find a Cure for Malaria (Moments in Science)

by Darcy Pattison (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1849 KB
Print length	:	99 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

People were dying! Malaria is a deadly mosquito-borne disease that causes fevers, chills and often death. In 1969, the People’s Republic of China created a task force to find a cure.

Working in the 1970s, Chinese scientist Tu Youyou reviewed the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) scrolls for ideas on where to start her research. She found 640 traditional treatments, and methodically started extracting compounds and testing them against malaria. Would any of them work?

Courage, resilience, and perseverance--follow the struggles of Nobel Prize scientist Tu Youyou as she works to find a cure to malaria.

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