Exploring Artemisia annua L., artemisinin and its derivatives, from traditional Chinese wonder medicinal science

Abstract

Artemisia annua L. (Chinese wormwood herb, Asteraceae) synthesizes artemisinin, which is known as qinghaosu, considers as a unique sesquiterpene endoperoxide lactone. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used for the treatment of fevers and haemorrhoides. More researches on Artemisia annua L. and its derivatives, especially artemisinin and other metabolites will help to increase the knowledge and value of A. annua and its constituents. Phenolics from Artemisia annua consists of coumarins, flavones, flavonols, phenolic acids, and miscellaneous. Artemisinin has attracted much attention from scientists due to its potent antimalarial properties as secondary metabolites. Moreover, more attentions are focusing on the roles of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating obesity and metabolic diseases. They also have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-protozoa, anti-helminthic, anti-fungal, anti-angiogenic and antiproliferation properties. The most important derivatives of Artemisia annua L. are arteether, artemether, artemiside, artemisinin, artemisone, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin. Artemisinin also use against some cancers such as liver cancer, brain glioma, leukemia, nasopharyngeal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. This important gift from ancient Chinese traditional medicine can guarantee health of people all around the world. Further researches should be done on the new advances and development of artemisinin and its derivatives as potential natural medicine in the global fight against so many diseases, malaria included.