Combination of sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata (Burm.F.) nees) extract and spirulina (Arthrospira platensis gomont) to prevent anemia in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei anka

Objective: Anemia in acute malaria occurs because there is massive lysis of erythrocytes as a result of an increase in parasitemia or use of drugs that may induce hemolysis. In this research, it was tested the effect of administration of a combination of sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Nees) extract and spirulina (Arthrospira platensis Gomont). This combination is aimed to obtain antiparasite activity of sambiloto and increasing of hemoglobin (Hb) from spirulina. Methods: This research was conducted with a completely randomized design using 75 mice of Swiss Webster strain. Test groups were consisted of AP, AP+ES, AP+PS, carboxymethyl cellulose, and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. All mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei on the day 0. The test material extracts were given 3 days before infection (H-3) and every day for 28 days after infection. Parasitemia data were taken on day 3, 7, 10, 15, 21, and 28, while the data for erythrocyte count and Hb level were taken on day 3, 10, and 21. Data processing was conducted using one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc test. Results: This study showed that combination of sambiloto extract and spirulina powder (AP+PS) gave a significant difference result in suppressing the percentage of parasitemia (p=0.02), increasing the erythrocyte count (p=0.03), and Hb level (p=0.01) at the 15^th day, compared to the group given only sambiloto (AP). Conclusion: Combination of spirulina powder and sambiloto extract will decrease parasitemia and increase the number of erythrocyte and Hb in mice that infected by P. berghei.