Antiplasmodial activity of Gracilaria sp. ethanol extract against Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria infections are increasingly resisting drug therapy, indicating the need to address and provide more affordable alternative raw materials for medicines to overcome parasite resistance. In this context, seaweeds are one of the potential maritime resources that can be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to gain an overview of the Gracilaria sp. ethanol extract and its constituents in suppressing Plasmodium parasites in vitro. Seaweed was dried, powdered, and underwent ethanol extraction, then screening for compound content was achieved with a phytochemical method, infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography. The ethanol extract of Gracilaria sp. was tested for toxicity in inhibiting the growth of parasites that cause malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum strain D37. The results showed that saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids were found in the seaweed ethanol extract used. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and derivative chemicals inhibited Plasmodium parasite growth with an IC50 of 43.38 μg/mL.