Objective: Studies have shown that a new combination therapy with artemisinin derivatives and curcumin is unique, with potential advantages over known Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT). The problems of poor solubility, stability and bioavailability of curcumin can be overcome by preparing curcumin metal complex. In present study curcumin-Zn complex was prepared and evaluated for antimalarial activity in combination with artemether. Methods: Curcumin Zn complex was prepared using zinc sulfate. The mice survival and % parasitemia were studied in Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) infected albino mice treated with curcumin, curcumin-Zn complex and combination of curcumin-Zn with artemether. Results: The mean survival time in mice infected with P. berghei was compared after treatment with curcumin, curcumin-Zn, artemether and combination of curcumin-Zn-artemether. Oral administration of curcumin-Zn-artemether prolonged the survival of P. berghei infected mice. All the mice were treated with Curcumin-Zn (5 mg/day) artemether (1000 μg) survived for more than 40 d and recovered with no detectable parasitemia. Administration of curcumin-Zn artemether combination reduced the parasitemia in mice more effectively compared to that in mice treated with a single drug. Conclusion: In vivo antimalarial activity of curcumin-Zn complex was found superior to curcumin. A single dose of 1000 μg of artemether in combination with curcumin-Zn gives complete protection in P. berghei infected mice. Such suppressive action was superior to that of administration of the single drug at the same dose. This may reduce the chances of drug resistance. © 2015 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.