Evidence supporting the use of: Artemisinin
For the health condition: Malaria

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Artemisinin is scientifically validated as an effective treatment for malaria. It is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from the plant Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood). The use of sweet wormwood in traditional Chinese medicine for treating fever and malaria-like symptoms dates back centuries, but the modern scientific basis for artemisinin's antimalarial efficacy was established in the 1970s. Chinese scientist Tu Youyou and her team isolated artemisinin and demonstrated its potent activity against Plasmodium species, the parasites responsible for malaria. Subsequent clinical trials confirmed its rapid parasite clearance and effectiveness, especially when used in combination therapies (ACTs: artemisinin-based combination therapies) to reduce the risk of resistance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ACTs as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support the superior efficacy and safety profile of artemisinin derivatives (such as artesunate and artemether) compared to older antimalarial drugs like chloroquine. Artemisinin's mechanism involves generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and membranes. The discovery and development of artemisinin and its derivatives have significantly reduced malaria-related mortality worldwide, especially in endemic regions.

Therefore, the use of artemisinin for treating malaria is fully supported by high-quality scientific evidence.

More about Artemisinin
More about Malaria

Products containing Artemisinin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.