The chief prosecutor’s office said several Malagasy citizens and foreigners had been arrested this week, as part of an investigation into the alleged plot.

A statement from the attorney general accused the suspects of planning to “eliminate and neutralise” a number of people.

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Last month, during Madagascar’s Independence Day celebrations, the authorities announced they had foiled an effort to kill the head of the national police force, General Richard Ravalomanana.

“Tests have been carried out — two people have now been cured by this treatment,” Rajoelina told ministers, diplomats and journalists at the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA), which developed the beverage.

“This herbal tea gives results in seven days,” he said.

Downing a dose, he said: “I will be the first to drink this today, in front of you, to show you that this product cures and does not kill.”

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The drink, which has been called Covid-Organics, is derived from artemisia — a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment — and other indigenous herbs, according to the IMRA.

But its safety and effectiveness have not been assessed internationally, nor has any data from trials been published in peer-reviewed studies. Mainstream scientists have warned of the potential risk from untested herbal brews.

Rajoelina brushed aside any such reservations and said the concoction would be offered to schoolchildren, as it was his duty was to “protect the Malagasy people”.

“Covid-Organics will be used as prophylaxis, that is for prevention, but clinical observations have shown a trend towards its effectiveness in curative treatment,” said Dr. Charles Andrianjara, IMRA’s director general.

The large Indian Ocean island has so far detected 121 cases and no fatality.

The pandemic has triggered a rush for herbal formulas, lemons and ginger in the belief that they can protect against the virus.

The World Health Organization, which has people to be vigilant about claimed cures for COVID-19, did not attend the event.

The US Centers for Disease Control, referring to claims for herbal or tea remedies, says: “There is no scientific evidence that any of these alternative remedies can prevent or cure the illness caused by COVID-19. In fact, some of them may not be safe to consume.”