Evaluation of the Efficacy of Nano Spirulina Alcoholic Extract in Conjunction with Chloroquine Against Plasmodium berghei in BALB/c Mice
Archives of Advances in Biosciences,
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2024),
24 Bahman 2024
,
Page 1-11
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v15i1.45848
Abstract
Introduction: The recent emergence of drug resistance among malaria parasites has led to increased interest in the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of malaria, particularly because these plants tend to have fewer side effects compared to conventional chemical medications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano Spirulina algae extract in conjunction with chloroquine on laboratory mice.
Materials and Methods: An alcoholic extract of Spirulina was prepared and subsequently processed and characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimalarial activity of these components was assessed in two distinct phases using white mice as the model organism. In the initial phase, the optimal concentration and the effective dose (ED50) of both Spirulina and nano-Spirulina against Plasmodium berghei were determined. Following this, the efficacy of the extract was examined in combination with chloroquine at a fixed ratio. The data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test.
Results: The optimal concentration of the extract was established at 100 mg/kg, which resulted in 85% and 47% inhibition of parasite growth on days 4 and 7, respectively (p < 0.05). The effective doses (ED50) for nano Spirulina and chloroquine were determined to be 100 mg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, the findings from the combined treatment with chloroquine and nano Spirulina extract suggested an antagonistic interaction. Consequently, it is recommended to avoid the concurrent use of these two medications for therapeutic purposes.
Conclusion: The application of nano-extracts derived from Spirulina algae has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the proliferation and growth of parasites, indicating that this extract may significantly reduce the presence of Plasmodium berghei in murine models. However, when administered in conjunction with chloroquine, an antagonistic interaction occurs, leading to an enhancement in parasite growth.
- Spirulina algae
- Plasmodium berghei
- Combination therapy
- Chloroquine
How to Cite
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