Evaluation of antiplasmodial properties of a cyanobacterium, <i>Spirulina platensis</i> and its mechanism of action

<p>The rapid emergence of antimalarial drug resistance necessitates a continual effort on novel drug discovery. A cyanobacterium, <i>Spirulina platensis,</i> is a potential antimalarial agent that has been widely consumed as food supplement in the form of crude extract. It is known to possess antiviral, antibacterial and antifungi activities. This study examined the antimalarial activities of several <i>Spirulina</i> formulas against <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> 3D7, <i>in vitro</i>. The tested <i>Spirulina</i> formulas included commercially available capsule, crude extract and alkaloid fraction. Results showed that all tested formula possessed antimalarial activities with the <i>Spirulina</i> capsule exhibited the highest activities (IC₅₀ = 2.16 μg/mL). Light and electron microscopies revealed interference of the <i>Spirulina</i> with the parasite hemozoin formation. In conclusion, all tested <i>Spirulina</i> formulas and fraction exhibited moderate to high antimalarial activities.</p