The Role of Antioxidants from Medicinal Plants in Malaria Therapy

Malaria remains a critical global health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where Plasmodium falciparum infection accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. The rise of drug-resistant malaria strains necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies. Antioxidants derived from medicinal plants have gained attention for their potential in malaria treatment due to their ability to counteract oxidative stress, which plays a role in disease progression. These natural compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids from plants such as Neem, Turmeric, and Moringa, help restore redox balance, modulate immune responses, and reduce inflammation. While preliminary studies suggest that plant-based antioxidants may enhance host resilience and inhibit parasite survival, their precise mechanisms and clinical efficacy remain under investigation. This review explores the role of antioxidants from medicinal plants in malaria therapy, highlighting their potential benefits, challenges, and future research directions. Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium, oxidative stress, antioxidants, medicinal plants, drug resistance, redox balance.