Antimalarial and toxicological assessment of the tablet (AS201-01) ethyl acetate fraction of Andrographis paniculata Nees in animal models

Context: Andrographis paniculata has been used as a traditional medicine to treat malaria. The ethyl acetate fraction of A. paniculata containing diterpene lactone compounds was developed into a tablet dosage form, AS201-01. Aims: To determine the antimalarial activity and toxicity of AS201-01 to guarantee its efficacy and safety. Methods: Antimalarial assay in male Balb/c mice based on Peter’s four-day suppressive test at a dose of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg BW and 10 mg/kg BW of chloroquine as a positive control. In acute toxicity, AS201-01 was administered orally at a dose of 5, 50, 200, and 2,000 mg/kg BW in male rats (Wistar rats) and observed for 14 days to identify signs of toxicity and mortality. Meanwhile, AS201-01 was administered at 50, 327, and 1,000 mg/kg BW per day for 28 days in male and female rats to assess subchronic toxicity. Results: AS201-01 has antimalarial activity and exhibited the highest suppressive effect at 50 mg/kg BW dose with inhibition of 73.48%. Meanwhile, chloroquine at 10 mg/kg BW has an inhibition of 97.94%. AS201-01 was highly active as an antimalarial with an ED50 value of 5.95 mg/kg BW and increased survival time. Administration of AS201-01 is relatively safe in acute and subchronic toxicity studies. No clinical signs and mortality were observed in either study. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) was above 2,000 mg/kg BW. Conclusions: AS201-01 is effective as an antimalarial and non-toxic when administered orally at an equivalent therapeutic dose in an animal model.