Research Article

Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

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Mitali Prajapati

Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

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Rajeev K Tyagi

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2514-4679

Division of Cell Biology and Immunology Biomedical Parasitology and Nano-immunology LabCSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH)Sec-39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India

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Sarat Dalai

*Author for correspondence:

E-mail Address: sarat.dalai@nirmauni.ac.in

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1466-4265

Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

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Published Online:15 Jun 2022https://doi.org/10.2217/fmb-2021-0298

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Abstract

Aims: Development of resistance by the malaria parasite, a systemic inflammatory and infectious pathogen, has raised the need for novel efficacious antimalarials. Plant-derived natural compounds are known to modulate the immune response and eradicate the infectious pathogens. Therefore we carried out experiments with swertiamarin to dissect its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential. Materials & methods: We carried out studies in Swiss albino mice that received infectious challenge with Plasmodium berghei and swertiamarin treatment in a prophylactic manner. Results & conclusion: Oral administration of swertiamarin prior to infectious challenge with P. berghei in experimental mice showed delayed parasite development as compared with untreated control. IFN-γ and IL-10 appeared to be adapted/modulated by regular swertiamarin treatment. Further, withdrawal of swertiamarin pressure did not affect parasite replication. However, the short half-life of swertiamarin limited its long-lasting therapeutic effect, requiring higher and frequent dosing schedules.

Keywords:

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Vol. 17, No. 12

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History

Received 6 December 2021

Accepted 17 May 2022

Published online 15 June 2022

Published in print August 2022

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Keywords

Author contributions

N Patel: first author, experimental design, experimental work. A Zinzuvadia, M Prajapati: experimental work. R Tyagi: critical evaluation, review, revision, editing. S Dalai: corresponding author. The authors certify that no individuals other than the listed co-authors contributed to this publication.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors would like to acknowledge Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India for providing infrastructure and resources for carrying out the research work, and would also like to thank Indian Council of Medical Research [ICMR], New Delhi, India for providing senior research fellowship during the research tenure of N Patel (fellowship np. 2019-4353). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

Swiss albino mice used in this work were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Nirma University. Protocol no. IS/PHD/27/2020/034.

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Swertiamarin-mediated immune modulation/adaptation confers protection against Plasmodium berghei

Abstract

References