Figure 5. Effect of curcumin on P. falciparum microtubular structures.

Microtubular structures of P. falciparum as observed in different timelines of progression through the mature blood stages. Parasite tubulin is stained with an anti β tubulin antibody and Alexa Fluor 488 and is shown in green. Blue represents nuclear material stained with DAPI. Panel A: Normal parasite microtubules without any drug treatment. Spindle structures were observed in the mid to late trophozoite stages (A1) and distinct MTOCs in the schizonts (A2). The typical subpellicular microtubules were seen in the merozoites (A3 and A4). Panel B: Parasites treated with 5 µM curcumin daily over the course of 96 hours, B1 – 24 hours, B2 – 48 hours, B3- 72 hours, B4 – 96 hours. Panel C: Parasites treated with 20 µM curcumin daily over the course of 96 hours, C1 – 24 hours, C2 – 48 hours, C3- 72 hours, C4 – 96 hours. Spindle structures are conspicuous in their absence in the trophozoites. Towards the later stages tubulin fluorescence pattern becomes diffused compared to the distinct MTOCs and subpellicular microtubules observed in the untreated parasites.