Exploring the Role of Antioxidants to Combat Oxidative Stress in Malaria Parasites

Abstract

Background: Malaria, a global challenge, is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species. Approximately 229 million cases of malaria were reported in 2019. Major incidences occur in various continents, including African and Eastern Mediterranean Continents and South-East Asia.

Introduction: Despite the overall decline in global incidence from 2010 to 2018, the rate of decline has been almost constant since 2014. The morbidity and mortality have been accelerated due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by oxidative stress generated by the parasite responsible for the destruction of host metabolism and cell nutrients.

Methods: The excessive release of free radicals is associated with the infection in the animal or human body by the parasites. This may be related to a reduction in nutrients required for the generation of antioxidants and the destruction of cells by parasite activity. Therefore, an intensive literature search has been carried out to find the natural antioxidants used to neutralize the free radicals generated during malarial infection.

Results: The natural antioxidants may be useful as an adjuvant treatment along with the antimalarial chemotherapeutics to reduce the death rate and enhance the success rate of malaria treatment.

Conclusion: In this manuscript, an attempt has been made to provide significant insight into the antioxidant activities of herbal extracts against malaria parasites.

Keywords: Malaria parasite; Natural antioxidants; Natural extracts; Oxidative stress; Polyherbal formulation; Reactive oxygen species (ROS).