Here’s how it works:
- Targets the malaria parasite: Quinine enters red blood cells infected with the malaria parasite (Plasmodium species), especially Plasmodium falciparum.
- Blocks parasite detoxification: As the parasite digests hemoglobin from red blood cells, it produces a toxic substance called heme. Normally, the parasite converts heme into a harmless pigment called hemozoin.

