Antimalarial Potential of Medicinal Plants:  Phytochemical Insights and Host-Directed  Strategies

Ujjval P.  Vaghela; Bhavik Jani; Kajal Kalaria; Tarun Tank; Vishvesh Kanabar; Kushal Parekh; Rahul Kumar  Shah; Raviraaz Yadav; Parasmani Yadav; Rahul Yadav

Ujjval P. Vaghela Department of Pharmacy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara – 391760, Gujarat, India
Bhavik Jani Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Kajal Kalaria Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Tarun Tank Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Vishvesh Kanabar Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Kushal Parekh Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Rahul Kumar Shah Pharam D Research Scholar, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Raviraaz Yadav Pharam D Research Scholar, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Parasmani Yadav Pharam D Research Scholar, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Rahul Yadav Pharam D Research Scholar, School of Pharmacy, RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India

Keywords: Malaria, Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals, Antimalarial, Flavonoids, Artemisinin, Quinine, Ampk, Host-Directed Therapy

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a significant global health threat, with rising drug resistance undermining the efficacy of standard therapies. Historically, plant-derived compounds such as quinine and artemisinin have served as cornerstones in antimalarial treatment.
Objective: This review explores the antimalarial potential of medicinal plants, emphasisingphytochemical classes, their mechanisms of action, and host-directed strategies to combat emerging resistance.
Methods: Relevant literature on alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, and phenolics with antiplasmodial activity was reviewed. Evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and pilot clinical evaluations was analysed.
Results: Plant-derived compounds exert antimalarial effects via diverse mechanisms, including inhibition of heme detoxification, ROS generation, DNA intercalation, and modulation of host AMPK signalling. Flavonoids, in particular, restore cellular energy regulation by reactivating AMPK, depriving Plasmodium of critical metabolic substrates.
Conclusion: Phytochemicals offer a promising complementary strategy for malaria treatment. Their multi-target activity and host-directed actions present a low-resistance-risk profile. Future clinical translation requiresstanderisation, formulationoptimisation, and regulatory integration.

How to cite this article:
Vaghela U P, Jani B, Kalaria K, Tank T, Kanabar V, Parekh K, Shah R K, Yadav R, Yadav P, Yadav R. Antimalarial Potential of Medicinal Plants: Phytochemical Insights and Host-Directed Strategies. J Commun Dis. 2025;57(3):174-181.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202584