Original Articles
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.4081/sjroh.2026.646

Assessment of the quality of commercially available artemether-lumefantrine antimalarial tablets in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon

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Published: 7 October 2026
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Malaria, artemether-lumefantrine, pharmaceutical quality, compliance, Cameroon

Authors

Thierry Malex Nwafo Ndjimafo
Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon.
Verance Carline Kegha Ngodem
Research Unit in Biochemistry of Medicinal Plants, Food Science and Nutrition, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Joseph Raphael Moyo Tachoum
Research Unit in Biochemistry of Medicinal Plants, Food Science and Nutrition, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Protais Cédric Mouenbori Sawi
Research Unit in Biochemistry of Medicinal Plants, Food Science and Nutrition, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Kelly Cynthia Fodom Tchogang
Research Unit of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Kelie Laure Nangmo Temateu
Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Divine Guimazeu Tsoplefack
Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Josue Jobin Biba
Research Unit of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Godfroy Rostant Pokam Djoko
godfroydjoko@gmail.com
Research Unit of Applied Biology and Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

Malaria remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) combinations are the standard treatment, but their effectiveness can be compromised by the circulation of substandard medicines. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance of AL tablets marketed in Yaoundé (Cameroon) with international pharmaceutical standards. The study was conducted over 6 months at the National Laboratory for Drug Quality Control and Expertise (LANACOME) in Yaoundé. Three commercial products (Artefan® [Ajanta Pharma Ltd., Mumbai, India], Cartef® [GB Pharma Ltd., Surrey, UK], and Laritem® [Ipca Laboratories Ltd., Mumbai, India]) were analyzed. The tests performed included visual inspection, average weight, disintegration, friability, and identification of active ingredients by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The results indicate that all samples analyzed met compliance standards for average weight, disintegration, and active-ingredient identification. Visual examinations revealed no signs of adulteration. Disintegration tests showed that all tablets disintegrated in less than 15 minutes, and friability tests were compliant, with mass losses of less than 1%. In addition, the frontal ratios (Rfs) obtained for artemether and lumefantrine were in line with international standards. The results underscore the importance of regular drug quality control to ensure efficacy and prevent the emergence of resistance. Further efforts are needed to strengthen market surveillance and ensure the availability of safe and effective malaria treatments.

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Assessment of the quality of commercially available artemether-lumefantrine antimalarial tablets in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon. (2026). Sahelian Journal of Responsible One Health, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/sjroh.2026.646
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