Biological Activity of Artemisia mexicana: Antimalarial, Immunomodulatory, and Antioxidant Effects in Experimental Malaria

Malaria pathogenesis results from a complex interplay among parasite burden, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to disease severity. This study evaluated the antimalarial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects of a suspension of powdered aerial parts of Artemisia mexicana (A. mexicana) suspended in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), using a murine model of cerebral malaria. Male CBA/Ca mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and treated with A. mexicana. Disease progression was evaluated through parasitemia, haemoglobin levels, body weight and temperature. Immunomodulatory effects were assessed by analysing splenic immune cell populations and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, while antioxidant activity was determined in brain and spleen tissues. Treatment reduced parasitemia in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest efficacy observed at 1600 mg/kg, and also prevented haemoglobin loss and body weight decline. A. mexicana preserved CD4+ (T-helper) and CD8+ (T-cytotoxic) T-cell populations and modulated cytokine responses, increasing IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-10 levels. Additionally, treatment increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the brain and spleen without affecting lipid peroxidation. These findings demonstrate that A. mexicana exerts antimalarial and immunomodulatory effects and modulates antioxidant responses, suggesting that the regulation of inflammation and redox balance contributes to improved outcomes during malaria infection.