Author(s)

Yang Hu, Xintong Li, Zhihe Zhong

Corresponding Author

Yang Hu

ABSTRACT

Artemisinin, a drug originally developed for the treatment of malaria, has been shown to possess properties that cause apoptosis and create reactive oxygen species in carcinogenic cells. It is used, most commonly, in combination with another drug. While the full potential of Artemisinin yet undiscovered, Artemisinin is used mainly to curse and fight against malaria as of now. Studies have demonstrated that in addition to directly killing cancer cells through causing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, certain derivatives of artemisinin have properties that decrease the resistance of cancer cells against other chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin. By using these artemisinin combinations with other drugs, or just it’s derivatives, it is possible to prolong the effective treatment period of chemotherapy against many different types of cancers like breast cancer. There is not much information and data dedicated in the possibilities of using Artemisinin and its derivative due to the common usage of ART against malaria. This will be a dedicated summary of the effectiveness of artemisinin against 3 types of cancers. The paper on artemisinin has important value for future anti-cancer applications.

KEYWORDS

Artemisinin, Artemisinin derivatives, Anticancer, Combination therapy, Cancer treatment