4. Discussion
Andrographolide is a labdane diterpene reported to have
potent anti- inflammatory, anticancer and anti-viral activity
[9]. As such, the use of antibacterials and antivirals in malaria
prophylaxis is also well documented [20]. Identification of
anti-plasmodial activity of this compound in view of its
efficacious in vitro and in vivo performance opens up several
opportunities for further exploration of this compound as a
new anti-malarial.
During the erythrocytic life cycle, the period of activity
of andrographolide was found evidently on the ring stage of
the parasite. The point of action of this compound in the
parasite life cycle corresponds with the protein and nucleic
acid synthesis. Hence, they could be the “transcription
blockers”;more studies focusing on this particular aspect are
in progress.