Review Article |
Corresponding author: Rony Abdi Syahputra ( rony@usu.ac.id ) Academic editor: Plamen Peikov
© 2024 Tina Christina L. Tobing, Wahrianto, Eka Saputri, Nasywa Inayah Wafa, Putri Daffa Zulfianti, Lidwina Iswari Sihaloho, Annisa Rabbiatul Husna, Devia Salsabila, Fito Hansen Hotasi Silalahi, Alex Insandus Sitohang, Aysiah Sabrina, Atika Darayani Hasyati Harianja, Silvyani Agustilova Barus, Salwa Sabina, Annisa Aulia Rahma, Adrian Joshua Velaro, Khairunnisa Khairunnnisa, Emil Salim, Fahrul Nurkolis, Rony Abdi Syahputra.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Tobing TCL, Wahrianto, Saputri E, Wafa NI, Zulfianti PD, Sihaloho LI, Husna AR, Salsabila D, Hotasi Silalahi FH, Sitohang AI, Sabrina A, Hasyati Harianja AD, Barus SA, Sabina S, Rahma AA, Velaro AJ, Khairunnnisa K, Salim E, Nurkolis F, Abdi Syahputra R (2024) Malaria in Indonesia: current treatment approaches, future strategies, and potential herbal interventions. Pharmacia 71: 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e116095
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Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, with varying prevalence across regions, particularly in eastern provinces like Papua and West Papua. This parasitic disease, transmitted by Plasmodium-infected Anopheles mosquitoes, continues to burden affected populations. Contemporary treatment approaches predominantly rely on Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT). However, the emergence of drug resistance, coupled with environmental and demographic factors, presents ongoing challenges. This paper explores current malaria treatment strategies in Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the face of drug resistance and the need for innovative approaches. Additionally, it discusses the potential of herbal interventions, drawing from the rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Indonesia. Secondary metabolites found in herbs, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, show promise as antimalarial agents. As Indonesia and the global community strive to combat malaria, research, surveillance, and healthcare infrastructure development must remain at the forefront of strategies. Despite the complex nature of malaria control, continued dedication and collaboration offer hope for reducing the disease’s impact and progressing towards its eventual elimination.
Graphical abstract:
Malaria, Indonesia, Herbal Interventions, and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT)
The protozoan parasites belonging to the Plasmodium genus, which are responsible for causing malaria, reside and undergo reproduction within the erythrocytes of human hosts (Supranefly et al. 2021). According to
Malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, with a substantial number of individuals affected and a considerable number of deaths occurring annually. Indonesia has a substantial historical background in conducting research and development pertaining to malaria, as well as implementing strategies for the eradication of vector-borne diseases. Nevertheless, because to the intricate nature of transmission epidemiology inside this archipelago, there exists limited knowledge regarding the diverse array of mosquito species belonging to that particular type. The significance of Indonesia’s malaria research cannot be overstated in the pursuit of the ambitious goal of malaria eradication by 2030. The nation of Indonesia has a diverse and intricate epidemiology of malaria, encompassing a variety of transmission patterns, parasite species, and vectors across its numerous islands. Hence, it is imperative to do research on malaria in order to gain insights into the dynamics of the disease, advance the development and assessment of novel tools and approaches, and provide a foundation for evidence-based policies and interventions (
There are several other febrile conditions, such as dengue fever, typhoid fever, the common cold, respiratory infections, dyspepsia, and pneumonia, that exhibit symptoms similar to those of malaria. This paper discusses the methodologies employed for the detection of malaria in individuals, encompassing parasitology, microscopy, and rapid diagnostic tests. Nevertheless, there are certain areas where parasitology testing is not yet available, hence posing challenges in the detection of malaria and elevating the likelihood of erroneous diagnosis and inappropriate presumptive therapy. As a consequence of these issues, individuals may inadvertently consume inappropriate antimalarial drugs due to a limited comprehension of crucial malaria symptoms and non-symptom-based criteria utilized in the clinical diagnosis of malaria. The aforementioned matter is also considered a noteworthy concern that motivates scholars to investigate prominent symptoms of malaria. The objective is to utilize these symptoms as a foundation to assist healthcare practitioners in the clinical identification of malaria and to enhance public awareness. This, in turn, enables individuals to adopt measures to protect their well-being and maintain a malaria-free environment (Bria et al. 2020).
Malaria, an infectious disease of significant global concern, presents a substantial obstacle to public health worldwide. Based on the extant records, it has been noted that this specific sickness demonstrates endemic attributes in a collective of 87 countries, including Indonesia as one of the afflicted nations. Indonesia is classified as one of the poor countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that demonstrates a significantly elevated prevalence of malaria. Preceding the year 2007, an estimated 80% of the nation’s rural regions and urban hubs have received official declarations of being malaria-free. According to
Malaria is a prominent global health concern, particularly in regions with tropical climates, despite sustained international efforts to address the disease (Bria et al. 2020). Based on data provided by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, it is evident that Papua demonstrates a substantial prevalence and widespread distribution of malaria, as shown by an Annual Parasite Index (API) value exceeding 5 per 1000 individuals (
Tenggara, Central Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua, and West Papua have the highest prevalence rates of malaria. Furthermore, the provinces of Papua and West Papua, which are the largest provinces located on the island of Papua in Indonesia, exhibit an estimated annual parasite incidence (API) rate of approximately 67%. The province of Papua exhibits notable variations in air quality, as seen by the Air Pollution Index (API) indicators. The regions of Keerom, Jayapura, Timika, Sarmi, and Boven Digoel Regency stand out as the five areas with the highest API readings. According to
Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) is widely employed as the primary and secondary treatment strategy for malaria in numerous regions affected by the disease. The ACT regimen is composed of a synergistic blend of artemisinin or its derivatives, along with other pharmacological agents known as partner medicines, as explicated by Arya et al. in their scholarly publication of 2021. The standard first-line treatment for malaria, known as ACT (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy), combines a powerful artemisinin derivative with a companion medicine that has a longer duration of action. Prominent instances encompass artemether–lumefantrine (CoArtem) and amodiaquine–artesunate (Coarsucam) as indicated by
The need of conducting follow-up assessments to determine the prevalence of susceptible strains among malaria patients is underscored by the utilization of secondline treatment for drug-resistant malaria in artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). The present analysis observed that all identified SNPs related to the transcription factor (TF) were shown to be linked with the artemether derivative’s companion medicine. Furthermore, a meta-analysis performed by
Summary of Some Antimalarial Drugs, Mechanism of Action, Site of Action, and Mechanism of Resistance (Shibeshi et al. (2023)).
Antimalaria drugs | Mechanism of action | Site of action | Mechanism of resistance |
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Antifolates (pyrimethamine and cycloguanil) | Inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) | Cytosol | Mutations of dihydrofolate reductase |
Antifolate (sulfadoxine) | Inhibit Dihydropteroate synthetase | Cytosol | Dihydroteroate synthetase (DHPS) |
Naphthoquinones (Atovaquone) | Inhibits mitochondrial electron transport | Inside the apicoplast | A single point mutation in the cytochrome b subunit (CYTb) of the bc I complex |
Antibiotics (Clidamycin and Doxycycline) | Inhibit protein and lipids | Er, Vesicular structures | A point mutation in the apicoplast encoded 235 rRNA (CLD) |
Artemisinin (ART) | Alkylation of proteins and lipids | ER, vesicular structures | Mutation in K13 |
Based on the findings of the 2013 Riskesdas survey, it has been found that individuals living in urban regions, where Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) is easily available, have somewhat higher rates of treatment compared to individuals live in rural areas, as described by Kinansi et al. in 2021. Moreover, a research conducted by
The qualitative component of
Alongside the utilization of pesticides and malarial treatments, some adverse societal and economic factors play a role in the dissemination of malaria. The emergence of drug resistance poses a significant challenge to the eradication of malaria. It is widely recognized that the existing tools at our disposal are inadequate to attain complete eradication. Presently, the field of malaria biology relies on the use of “single-omics” methodologies in conjunction with state-of-the-art technology. Each stratum of omics data generated establishes unique associations with this pathogenic condition (
Numerous strategies have been employed in the administration of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. However, the implementation of vector control remains a crucial component in several disease control endeavors. Throughout the course of history, the prevailing methodology for successfully eliminating malaria in diverse geographical areas worldwide has predominantly centered on the implementation of vector control measures. According to
Overview of vector-control tools for malaria control (
Method | Mechanism |
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House improvement | Prevention of house entry |
Indoor residual spraying (IRS) | Repellent and/or killing of adult mosquitoes |
Long-lasting insecticide-treatednets (LLITNs) | Repellent and/or protection against biting; killing of adult mosquitoes |
Entomopathogenic fungi | Slow killing |
Entomopathogenic viruses | killing |
Removal trapping and/or confusion techniques | Reduction of mosquito abundance |
Spatial repellents | Prevention against biting |
Genetically engineered mosquitoes | Prevention of parasite development in mosquito; reduction of longevity |
Sterile insect technique | Reduction or eradication of mosquito population |
Environmental modification (e.g. larval habitat modification) | Prevention of oviposition and/or larva development (e.g. stream clearing) |
Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or Bacillus sphaericus | Killing of larvae |
Insect-growth regulators | Killing of larvae |
Predators (fish) | Killing of larvae |
The available literature indicates that the degree to which hospitals may effectively contribute to the improvement of primary healthcare (PHC) is highly contingent upon the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, these contributions can be broadly classified as a continuum that spans a range of activities. The activities encompass a spectrum of interventions, including the direct delivery of healthcare services and outreach initiatives that target the problem of restricted availability of high-quality primary care. Additionally, efforts are made to improve the provision and demand for frontline primary care services, such as gatekeeping and practical support. Furthermore, it is worth noting that hospitals have the potential to contribute to the advancement of integrated care, a concept that seeks to enhance the seamless and well-coordinated delivery of healthcare services to individuals (
The development of innovative antimalarial medications that demonstrate strong efficiency against plasmodium parasites is currently a pressing requirement. Compounds originating from botanical sources have been exploited for therapeutic purposes since ancient times and are now included as ingredients in modern pharmaceutical formulations. A significant advantage linked to the application of chemical compounds derived from medicinal plants in the development of innovative pharmaceuticals is their considerable propensity to bind to biological receptors present in the human body. Indonesia, as a nation, harbors a diverse array of plant species that exhibit promising properties as antimalarial agents. The plant materials utilized in this study consist of the leaves of puspa (Schima wallichii Kort), senai (Wedelia bifora), and kembang bunga (Tithonia diversifolia (Hemley) A Gray), as well as the bark of cempedak (Artocarpus champeden Spreng), papaya leaves (Carica papaya), and the leaves of sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Nees) (
Name of plant | Active compound | Mechanism of Action |
---|---|---|
Puspa leaves (Schima wallichii Korth.) | Kaempherol-3-Orhamnosida | Antimalaria |
Sernai leaves (Wedelia biflora) | Kaur-16-en-18-oic acid. | Antimalaria |
Kembang bulan leaves (Tithonia diversifolia (Hemley) A. Gray) | Tagitinin C. | Antimalaria |
Bark of cempedak (Artocarpus champeden Spreng.) | Heteroflavanon C. | Antimalaria |
Sambiloto leaves (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) | Andrographolide | Antimalaria |
Papaya leaves (Carica papaya) | Carpaine | Antimalaria |
Barliana et al. have conducted a study to investigate the antimalarial properties of puspa leaves. The majority of activities primarily take place inside a fraction of ethyl acetate. The component present in the ethyl acetate fraction has been characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The analysis has revealed the presence of a flavonoid complex known as 5,7,4’-trihydroxy-3-β-ramnoside flavon. The active molecule known as kaempferol-3O-rhamnoside exhibits the potential to effectively hinder the growth of parasites.
Specifically, it demonstrates a reduction in parasitic growth of 54.3% after 24 hours of incubation, 83.9% after 48 hours of incubation, and an impressive 96% after 72 hours of incubation, when compared to a controlled trial. A prior investigation conducted by Muhtadi et al. demonstrated the antimalarial effects of puspa leaves derived from the ethyl acetate fraction, buthanol fraction, and ethanol extract. The effective doses (ED50) for these fractions were found to be 72.81, 122.87, and 358.13 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, being classified as a polyphenol, exhibits the capacity to impede the process of lipid peroxidation as well as suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. Therefore, it is possible to propose that the observed antiplasmodial activity of kaempferol-3-Orhamnoside may be attributed to its antioxidant capabilities (
A study conducted by Isa has demonstrated that the methanol extract derived from sernai leaves have the capability to suppress the tropozoite stage of Plasmodium falciparum. The observed impact is hypothesized to be attributed to the presence of a triterpenoid molecule in sernai leaves. In an experimental analysis employing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), a total of 45 distinct compounds were detected. Among these compounds, the one exhibiting the highest concentration, amounting to 27.92%, was recognized in the database as kaur-16-en-18-oic acid. The bioactivity test findings for the antiplasmodium effect in vivo indicate that the extract derived from sernai leaves exhibits activity, as evidenced by an ED50 value of 39.952 mg/kg BW. The antiplasmodium activities of the methanol extract of sernai leaf were demonstrated in previous in vitro studies conducted by Isa et al. and Rinidar et al. These studies found that the IC50 value of the extract was 5.253 μg/ml after 32 hours of incubation (
The presence of tagitinin C, a sesquiterpene lactone, has been detected in the extract of kembang bulan leaves. This chemical has demonstrated significant antiplasmodium activity, namely against the FCA strain of P. falciparum, with an IC50 value of 0.75 μg/mL. In a laboratory-based investigation, Afiyah conducted a study to examine the antiplasmodium properties of the ether fraction of the methanol extract derived from kembang bulan leaves. The study specifically focused on its ability to block heme polymerization in the P. falciparum FCR-3 strain. Basilico et al. demonstrated that the inhibitory effects on heme polymerization can be attributed to one or two mechanisms. Firstly, the interaction between terpenoid, phenol, and sterol compounds with the heme electrolysis system plays a significant role. Secondly, chemicals containing hydroxyl groups have the ability to attach to heme iron ions, contributing to the inhibitory qualities (
The research conducted by Widyawaruyanti et al. reveals that the dichloromethane extract of cempedak bark shell resulted in the isolation of nine compounds, two of which were identified as novel compounds. Additionally, this work aims to investigate the in vitro antimalarial activity of nine compounds derived from the fractionation and separation of dichloromethane extracts produced from cempedak bark. According to this stipulation, the flavonoid component derived from the isolated dichloromethane extract of cempedak bark has antimalarial properties. The chemical heteroflavanone C exhibits the most potent antimalarial activity, as evidenced by its IC50 value of 0.001 μM. According to the available report, it has been observed that the IC50 value of conventional chloroquine antimalarial medications is 0.006 μM. The antimalarial characteristic of the heteroflavanone C compound is hypothesized to be enhanced by the incorporation of an isoprene chain at the C-8 position. The inclusion of an isoprenyl moiety in heteroflavanone C results in an increased hydrophobicity and lipophilicity, enabling it to effectively traverse the parasite cell membrane and exert its antimalarial properties. Hence, it may be inferred that heteroflavanon C exhibits a greater antimalarial efficacy compared to chloroquine. This observation implies that heteroflavanon C holds greater promise as a prospective alternative to chloroquine, which has lost its effectiveness as an antimalarial medicine (
According to a study conducted by Mishra, it was found that the combination of andrographolide with curcumin and artesunate exhibited a synergistic effect. In the in vivo experiment, it was observed that andrographolidecurcumine had an 81% greater antimalarial efficacy compared to the control group. Furthermore, this compound demonstrated the ability to extend the lifespan of the subjects by 2–3 times. According to the study conducted by Gudhate et al. a lactone component has been identified in the sambiloto leaf of andrographolide. Andrographolide is classified as a member of the trihidroksilactone group, characterized by its chemical formula C20H30O5. According to Risdawati, the antimalarial feature of andrographolide is attributed to its mode of action, which involves the disruption of the parasite’s antioxidant defense system. This is supported by the observed drop in glutathione (GSH) content and the activity of the enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) (
Historically, Carica papaya has been widely utilized in the therapeutic management of several medical conditions. Various components of the plant provide distinct therapeutic properties, with the leaves commonly employed in the treatment of ailments such as malaria, dengue, and jaundice, owing to their antiviral and immunomodulatory attributes. Furthermore, many chemical constituents have been identified in distinct anatomical regions of this botanical specimen, encompassing flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, β-carotene, lycopene, anthraquinone glycosides, and other substances. In their study,
Throughout history, natural compounds have held a significant and enduring role in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in the exploration of antimalarial drugs. Notable examples of antimalarial drugs derived from natural sources include quinine, obtained from the Cinchona plant, and artemisinin, extracted from the Artemisia plant. A study by Newman and colleagues (2016) revealed that over 60% of newly discovered antiparasitic compounds between 1981 and 2014 had their roots in natural compounds. This underscores the substantial contribution of these natural compounds to drug development. Over time, antimalarial drugs like quinine, chloroquine, amodiaquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, mefloquine, piperaquine, and halofantrine have encountered a common fate—Plasmodium parasites developing clinical resistance in specific geographic regions, leading to the spread of resistance globally (Roman et al. 2019). Presently, artemisinin derivatives, such as artesunate, artemether, and dihydroartemisinin (DHA), are the primary therapeutic drugs for malaria treatment. Both monotherapy and artemisinin combination therapies (ACT) are employed, combining artemisinin-based drugs with longer-acting antimalarials like amodiaquine, piperaquine, mefloquine, or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries, with a high mortality rate worldwide (Ramadani et al. 2017). Four species of Plasmodium, namely Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae, can cause malaria in humans. P. falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria-related morbidity and mortality. The emergence of resistance to artemisinin, the primary class of antimalarial drugs, poses a serious threat to global malaria control efforts. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and develop new lead compounds for potential therapeutic interventions. Traditional medicine, particularly ethnopharmacology, holds promise in identifying plant-based molecules that can serve as templates or lead compounds in the development of antimalarial drugs. Nature offers a rich source of potential antimalarial substances due to the diverse chemical compounds found in plants (Noronha et al. 2020). Artemisinin, a key antimalarial drug, is typically extracted from the Artemisia plant. Various parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, buds, flowers, and seeds, can be used to extract artemisinin. Different solvents such as petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, hexane, and chloroform are employed in the extraction process at elevated temperatures. Another method involves yeast fermentation to produce artemisinic acid, which is then chemically converted into artemisinin, known as the semisynthetic approach (
In conclusion, malaria remains a significant public health concern in Indonesia and many other parts of the world. This parasitic disease, transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes of the Plasmodium genus, poses a substantial burden on affected populations. While there is regional variation in malaria prevalence within Indonesia, some areas, particularly in eastern provinces like Papua and West Papua, experience a higher incidence of malaria cases. Researchers have explored the potential of secondary metabolites found in herbal ingredients, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, as antimalarial agents. This approach taps into the rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and offers a promising avenue for the development of new treatments. Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) has emerged as the primary treatment for malaria in many endemic regions, including Indonesia. However, the ongoing challenges of climate change, population mobility, and the persistent threats posed by mosquitoes and drug resistance continue to complicate malaria control efforts. These challenges underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and innovative approaches in the fight against malaria. As Indonesia and the global community work to combat this deadly disease, it is crucial to continue investing in research, surveillance, and healthcare infrastructure to reduce malaria’s impact and ultimately work toward its elimination. Malaria control remains a complex and dynamic endeavor, but with continued dedication and collaboration, progress can be made in reducing its toll on human health.