Artemisinin - Artemisia Annua

Artemisinin is a compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It is best known for its antimalarial properties and is a key component in the treatment of malaria. The compound was discovered by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for her contributions to the development of artemisinin-based therapies.

Artemisinin and its derivatives, such as artemether and artesunate, are used in combination therapies for treating malaria, especially in cases where resistance to other antimalarial drugs has become a problem. These drugs work by producing free radicals within the malaria parasite, leading to its destruction. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are considered highly effective in treating uncomplicated malaria and have played a significant role in reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality globally.

Beyond its antimalarial properties, there is ongoing research into the potential use of artemisinin in treating other diseases, such as cancer. Some studies have suggested that artemisinin may have anti-cancer properties, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential in this context.

It's important to note that the cultivation and production of artemisinin face challenges, including the cost and availability of the raw plant material. Efforts are being made to address these issues and ensure a stable supply of artemisinin for the treatment of malaria.

What does Artemisia do for you?

Commonly known as wormwood or sweet sagewort, Artemisia annua has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for fevers, inflammation, headaches, bleeding, and malaria.

People take Artemisia herba-alba for cough, stomach and intestinal upset, the common cold, measles, diabetes, yellowed skin (jaundice), anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness. It is also used for parasitic infections such as roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and flukes.