Curcuminoids-loaded liposomes in combination with arteether protects against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice

On day 6, blood smears and staining for parasites from control animals (no treatment) showed a high parasitemia and many parasites in the ring stages (A). But for animals treated with 40mg/kg body weight of curcuminoids-loaded liposomes, the parasitemia was lower and interestingly red blood cells showed fewer ring stage parasites (B). [Display omitted] ► Liposomal deliver system was used to enhance antimalarial activity of curcuminoids. ► Plasmodium berghei infected mice was used to test the efficacy of the delivery system. ► Curcuminoids loaded liposomes treated animals shown marginal increase in survivality. ► Curcuminoids-loaded liposomes and α/β arteether combination cured infected mice. ► Curcuminoids-loaded liposomes and α/β arteether therapy also prevented recrudescence. Curcuminoids are poorly water-soluble compounds with promising antimalarial activity. To overcome some of the drawbacks of curcuminoids, we explored the potential of liposomes for the intravenous delivery of curcuminoids in a model of mouse malaria. The curcuminoids-loaded liposomes were formulated from phosphatidylcholine (soy PC) by the thin-film hydration method. Antimalarial activity of curcuminoids-loaded liposomes alone and in combination with α/β arteether when administered intravenously, was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Animals treated with curcuminoids-loaded liposomes showed lower parasitemia and higher survival when compared to control group (no treatment). Importantly, the combination therapy of curcuminoids-loaded liposomes (40mg/kg body wt) along with α/β arteether (30mg/kg body wt) was able to not only cure infected mice but also prevented recrudescence. These data suggest that curcuminoids-loaded liposomes may show promise as a formulation for anti-malarial therapy.