Artemisinins: their growing importance in medicine

Abstract

Artemisinins are derived from extracts of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) and are well established for the treatment of malaria, including highly drug-resistant strains. Their efficacy also extends to phylogenetically unrelated parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis. More recently, they have also shown potent and broad anticancer properties in cell lines and animal models. In this review, we discuss recent advances in defining the role of artemisinins in medicine, with particular focus on their controversial mechanisms of action. This safe and cheap drug class that saves lives at risk from malaria can also have important potential in oncology.

In vitro study of the anti-cancer effects of artemisone alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents

“…These are amongst the most potent anti-malarial agents known. The mechanism of action of artemisinins remains controversial [2,3] but they retain activity against parasites that have become resistant to anti-malarials such as such as chloroquine and pyrimethamine [4]. Furthermore, artemisinins can be faster acting than other drugs malarial treatments [5,6].…”

Artemisia annuaextracts, artemisinin and 1,8-cineole, prevent fruit infestation by a major, cosmopolitan pest of apples

“…Their efficacy also extends to parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis. They have also shown potent and broad anticancer properties in cell lines and animal models (Krishna et al, 2008). Eucalyptus oil and its major component, 1,8-cineole, have antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including antibioticresistant strains, viruses, and fungi.…”

Antiulcer Activity after Oral Administration of the Wormwood Ethanol Extract on Lesions due to <I>Leishmania major</I> Parasites in BALB/C Mice

“…Novel approaches including the oral administration of natural pharmaceutical products from medicinal herbs such as wormwood, Artemisia, have been proposed 33 . The currently well-known anti-malaria compound, artemisinin (a sesquiterpene with an endoperoxide bridge), is derived from this plant 24,36 . In the in vivo test, this compound in micromolar concentrations has been reported to reduce the severity of lesions caused by Leishmania amazonensis in BALB/c mice 14 .…”