Primaquine is an effective antimalarial drug known for its ability to target hepatic stages of malaria parasites. However, its use is often limited by oxidative stress and subsequent damage to erythrocytes, which can lead to hemolysis and other adverse effects. Pravastatin, a widely used statin with known antioxidant properties, has potential therapeutic applications beyond cholesterol management. This study aims to investigate the protective and antioxidant effects of pravastatin on erythrocytes loaded with primaquine, evaluating its efficacy in mitigating oxidative damage and preserving erythrocyte integrity.

Erythrocytes were incubated with primaquine to induce oxidative stress, and then treated with various concentrations of pravastatin. Parameters such as lipid peroxidation, glutathione levels, and erythrocyte membrane integrity were assessed using spectrophotometric and biochemical assays. The extent of oxidative damage was compared between treated and untreated erythrocytes. Pravastatin demonstrated a significant reduction in oxidative stress markers, including decreased lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione levels, in erythrocytes loaded with primaquine. Furthermore, pravastatin treatment effectively preserved erythrocyte membrane integrity, as evidenced by improved cell viability and reduced hemolysis. Pravastatin exhibits notable antioxidant activity and protective effects on erythrocytes exposed to primaquine-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that pravastatin could serve as a beneficial adjunctive treatment in managing oxidative damage associated with primaquine therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes in malaria treatment.

Pravastatin, Antioxidant activity, Erythrocytes

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