Haemozoin (HZ)

Haemozoin is a dark-brown biocrystal synthesized by hematophagous parasites, most notably Plasmodium species, to detoxify free heme released during the digestion of host hemoglobin [1, 2]. Since free heme is highly toxic to the parasite due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species and damage membranes, its conversion into the insoluble, chemically inert haemozoin crystal is essential for parasite survival [1, 9]. This biocrystallization process occurs within the parasite's acidic food vacuole and is a primary target for several classes of antimalarial drugs, particularly the quinolines [4, 7]. Drugs like chloroquine bind to the growing crystal faces or to free heme, preventing further crystallization and causing the accumulation of toxic heme that ultimately kills the parasite [2, 7]. Beyond its role in parasite survival, haemozoin acts as a potent immunomodulator in the host, contributing to the inflammatory response and clinical symptoms of malaria, such as anemia and fever [6, 8].

Other names

HemozoinMalaria pigmentBeta-hematin

Inhibition of haemozoin biocrystallization