Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections

Abstract Malaria continues to be among the leading causes of death among endemic nations. Both innate and adaptive immunological responses are the immunomodulatory mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis that can be utilized in developing novel treatments. Plant-derived bioactive components could serve a...

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Main Authors: Wallen Atwijukire, Ebere Emilia Ayogu, Hope Onohuean
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-06-01
Series:Discover Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07010-4
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author Wallen Atwijukire
Ebere Emilia Ayogu
Hope Onohuean
author_facet Wallen Atwijukire
Ebere Emilia Ayogu
Hope Onohuean
author_sort Wallen Atwijukire
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Malaria continues to be among the leading causes of death among endemic nations. Both innate and adaptive immunological responses are the immunomodulatory mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis that can be utilized in developing novel treatments. Plant-derived bioactive components could serve as potential alternative drugs for malaria therapies by targeting immunomodulatory pathways. Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum have demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory mechanism principle in this regard. This review synthesizes and provides scientific evidence of the immunomodulatory mechanism of A. paniculata and A. sativum and their impact on managing Plasmodium infections. Findings indicate that A. paniculata and A. sativum modulate immune responses, suppress proinflammatory cytokines, activate Th1 cells, and enhance macrophage function, making them potential treatments for Plasmodium infections via the immunomodulatory pathway. Both plants regulate inflammatory responses during Plasmodium infections by inhibiting NF-κB, reducing cytokine storms, preventing tissue damage, and promoting parasite clearance. The plant compounds also reduced oxidative stress by neutralizing Reactive Oxygen Species, protecting vital organs like the liver and spleen through antioxidant defence. The evidence indicates that combining plants could boost IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production, enhancing macrophage activation and Plasmodium clearance and reducing inflammation severity. In conclusion, these plants' synergistic immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties could be harnessed to manage Plasmodium infections. These plants can enhance immune responses, limit parasite growth, and prevent excessive inflammation, making them viable candidates for adjunct therapy in malaria treatment. Highlights Andrographis paniculata and garlic improve body's immunity to combat Plasmodium infections. These plants regulate immunological activity, and possess anti-inflammation. They potential synergism effect could complement current anti-malaria treatment and drug resistance.
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spelling doaj-art-b569be4e66f84605b52a03342ace6f152025-08-20T03:22:54ZengSpringerDiscover Applied Sciences3004-92612025-06-017711410.1007/s42452-025-07010-4Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infectionsWallen Atwijukire0Ebere Emilia Ayogu1Hope Onohuean2Biomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International UniversityBiopharmaceutics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International UniversityBiomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International UniversityAbstract Malaria continues to be among the leading causes of death among endemic nations. Both innate and adaptive immunological responses are the immunomodulatory mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis that can be utilized in developing novel treatments. Plant-derived bioactive components could serve as potential alternative drugs for malaria therapies by targeting immunomodulatory pathways. Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum have demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory mechanism principle in this regard. This review synthesizes and provides scientific evidence of the immunomodulatory mechanism of A. paniculata and A. sativum and their impact on managing Plasmodium infections. Findings indicate that A. paniculata and A. sativum modulate immune responses, suppress proinflammatory cytokines, activate Th1 cells, and enhance macrophage function, making them potential treatments for Plasmodium infections via the immunomodulatory pathway. Both plants regulate inflammatory responses during Plasmodium infections by inhibiting NF-κB, reducing cytokine storms, preventing tissue damage, and promoting parasite clearance. The plant compounds also reduced oxidative stress by neutralizing Reactive Oxygen Species, protecting vital organs like the liver and spleen through antioxidant defence. The evidence indicates that combining plants could boost IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production, enhancing macrophage activation and Plasmodium clearance and reducing inflammation severity. In conclusion, these plants' synergistic immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties could be harnessed to manage Plasmodium infections. These plants can enhance immune responses, limit parasite growth, and prevent excessive inflammation, making them viable candidates for adjunct therapy in malaria treatment. Highlights Andrographis paniculata and garlic improve body's immunity to combat Plasmodium infections. These plants regulate immunological activity, and possess anti-inflammation. They potential synergism effect could complement current anti-malaria treatment and drug resistance.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07010-4ImmunomodulatoryAndrographis paniculataAllium sativumPlasmodiumInfections
spellingShingle Wallen Atwijukire
Ebere Emilia Ayogu
Hope Onohuean
Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections
Discover Applied Sciences
Immunomodulatory
Andrographis paniculata
Allium sativum
Plasmodium
Infections
title Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections
title_full Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections
title_fullStr Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections
title_full_unstemmed Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections
title_short Immunomodulatory potentials of Andrographis paniculata and Allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections
title_sort immunomodulatory potentials of andrographis paniculata and allium sativum in managing plasmodium infections
topic Immunomodulatory
Andrographis paniculata
Allium sativum
Plasmodium
Infections
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07010-4
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