Dihydroartemisinin

Dihydroartemisinin is an active metabolite of artesunate [A2191] which is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin [A2118]. Dihydroartemisinin and its analogs have high efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum in the blood stages of the disease. The exact mechanism of action is still not clear, while the endoperoxide (O-O) subunit of the trioxane ring is critical for antimalarial activity. Several lines of evidence indicate that the O-O bond is easily broken by Fe²⁺, generating a number of reactive radicals oxidatively damage parasite. In clinical, dihydroartemisinin is often used as a combination agent with a partner agent which has a long half-life, such as piperaquine. In addition, after 2000’s, the anti-tumor activities of dihydroartemisinin have been reported. (The product is for research purpose only.)