Biogenically synthesized green silver nanoparticles exhibit antimalarial activity.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Parasitology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Existing antimalarial drugs face challenges due to emerging drug resistance, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents and targets.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using plant extracts, such as Euphorbia cotinifolia, have demonstrated potential antimalarial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antimalarial efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Euphorbia cotinifolia (EcAgNPs).
• To investigate the mechanism of action of EcAgNPs against the asexual blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum.

Main Methods:

• In vitro culture of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 strain).
• Determination of parasite growth inhibition and EC50 values.
• Analysis of apoptosis induction via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, caspase-3 and calpain activity, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.
• Assessment of PfLPL-1 expression.

Main Results:

• EcAgNPs exhibited significant inhibition of P. falciparum growth with an EC50 of 0.75 µg/ml.
• EcAgNPs induced apoptosis in P. falciparum by increasing ROS production and activating programmed cell death pathways.
• Altered Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and inhibited PfLPL-1 expression were observed, suggesting enhanced apoptosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• EcAgNPs demonstrate potent antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.
• The mechanism involves the induction of apoptosis and disruption of parasite lipid metabolism.
• EcAgNPs represent a promising, non-toxic, and targeted therapeutic approach for malaria treatment.