A brief history of artemisinin: Modes of action and mechanisms of resistance

Publication date: 20 May 2019Source: Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, Volume 17, Issue 5Author(s): Feng LU, Xin-Long HE, Culleton Richard, Jun CAOAbstractThe cornerstone of antimalarial treatment, artemisinin, has reduced malaria associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, Plasmodium falciparum parasites with reduced sensitivity to artemisinin have emerged, and this threatens malaria control and elimination efforts. In this minireview, we describe the initial development of artemisinin as an antimalarial drug, its use both historically and currently, and our current understanding of its mode of action and the mechanisms by which malaria parasites achieve resistance.
Source: Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research