Artemisinin and its derivatives are used in the treatment of malaria. Artemisinin is a powerful and effective anti-malarial medication derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua. It has played a crucial role in the treatment of malaria, particularly drug-resistant strains.

Artemisinin and its derivatives, such as artemether and artesunate, are key components of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the recommended treatments for malaria by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). The use of ACTs has been vital in addressing the global problem of malaria, particularly in regions with a high incidence of drug-resistant malaria parasites.

The original extraction of artemisinin from the sweet wormwood plant was a significant development in the fight against malaria, mass production of artemisinin is now often carried out through semi-synthetic or synthetic methods to meet the global demand for anti-malarial treatments. These methods are more efficient and cost-effective, ensuring a stable supply of this life-saving medication.

Image credit: Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons