Swertiamarin-mediated immune modulation/adaptation confers protection against .

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. We carried out studies in Swiss albino mice that received infectious challenge with and swertiamarin treatment in a prophylactic manner. Oral administration of swertiamarin prior to infectious challenge with 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.