Why Can Artemisinin Extract be Used to Fight Malaria?

The World Health Organization recommends the use of combination therapies containing artemisinin derivatives and another effective antimalarial drug. ACTs, or artemisinin-based combination therapies, are the name of this combination. Plasmodium falciparum malaria has a 95% cure rate using ACTs, making them the most effective treatment available today. Malaria is a global epidemic that has a major threat to human life and health. The World Health Organization estimates that 200 million people suffer from malaria each year, over one million people die from malaria, and billions of people live in malaria-endemic areas worldwide.

Artemisinin Extract Powder is a white needle-shaped crystalline compound extracted from the Artemisia annua plant, with a molecular formula of C₁₅H₂₂O₅. Researchers have determined that it is a sesquiterpene lactone compound. Artemisinin is a highly oxidized compound, and its structure contains tandem peroxide groups, ketals, acetals, and lactone groups, so it is sensitive to acid and alkali. However, due to its unique ring structure, artemisinin has higher thermal stability than general peroxide compounds, and no obvious decomposition is observed even when it is melted at 156℃~157℃.

Tu Youyou used ether, a low-boiling-point solvent, to extract the active ingredients from Artemisia annua. After repeated experiments, the results showed that artemisinin extract could significantly kill malarial parasites, and its efficacy was better than chloroquine. In 1972, a colorless crystal was successfully isolated, which was later named artemisinin. After a large number of clinical experimental studies, it was found that artemisinin had a good effect on malaria. Researchers from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine used artemisinin crystals to treat 141 patients with cerebral malaria, of which 131 were cured. In 1979, the National Science and Technology Commission issued a national invention certificate to the artemisinin research group to confirm its anti-malarial efficacy.

 

 

In tropical and subtropical regions where the parasites can thrive, malaria is usually present. Approximately 216 million cases of malaria were reported in 91 countries in 2016, according to the WHO. The annual count of malaria cases in the United States is 1,700, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Traveling to areas where malaria is more prevalent is the primary cause of malaria cases.

★ Causes of Malaria

If you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the Plasmodium parasite, you could contract malaria. Humans can contract malaria from four different types of malaria parasites: Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum.

A more severe form of malaria is caused by P. falciparum, and those who have this type of malaria are more likely to die. The disease can also be delivered to a newborn by an infected mother. We call this congenital malaria. Since malaria is spread by blood, it can also spread by sharing syringes or needles, receiving an organ transplant, and receiving a transfusion.

★ Symptoms of Malaria

After infection, malaria symptoms usually appear 10 days to 4 weeks later. In certain cases, symptoms can not appear for several months. Certain parasites that cause malaria can enter the body and remain dormant for extended periods of time.

Malaria frequently manifests as moderate-to-severe shaking chills, high fever, excessive perspiration, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, anemia, muscle pain, convulsions, coma, and bloody stools.

 

★ Mechanism of Action

Artemisinin extract mainly acts on the membrane structure of malarial parasites. After malarial parasites ingest hemoglobin through endocytosis in red blood cells, they will decompose it and release the amino acids and heme they use. The free heme will activate artemisinin, thereby blocking the malarial parasites from taking up hemoglobin, making it impossible for the malarial parasites to decompose hemoglobin to obtain enough amino acids, resulting in amino acid starvation, and eventually the formation of autophagic vacuoles and death.

★ Disruption of the Parasite's Metabolism

Key functions including glycolysis and mitochondrial function are disrupted by artemisinin, which also interferes with the parasite's energy metabolism. The parasite is weakened and eventually eliminated as a result of this metabolic disturbance.

★ Inhibition of Protein Synthesis

Artemisinin extract inhibits protein synthesis within the malaria parasite. This interference hinders the parasite to produce essential proteins for survival and replication.

 

 

With the ongoing development of artemisinin extract's clinical application, there is promise for both improved malaria treatment and possible uses in other diseases.

★ Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy

Artemisinin extract has been demonstrated in recent research to considerably improve treatment outcomes when combined with other antimalarial medications. The likelihood of drug resistance has decreased and the overall efficacy of eliminating the malaria parasite has increased thanks to these combination treatments.

★ Treatment of Severe Malaria

The application of artemisinin extract in cases of severe malaria has been the subject of recent research. Early and vigorous administration of regimens based on artemisinin has been shown to increase survival rates and lessen complications related to severe infections.

★ Pediatric Applications

Customizing therapy for children based on artemisinin extract has advanced significantly. To guarantee safe and effective treatment for the pediatric population, unique formulations and dosage methods have been developed.

★ Resistance Monitoring and Management

The usage of artemisinin extract has grown, and with it, so too have the efforts to control and monitor the formation of resistance. Promising molecular methods are being used to identify resistance early and direct necessary treatment modifications.

★ Nanotechnology-Based Delivery Systems

Novel nanotechnology-based artemisinin extract delivery methods are being developed. These systems are designed to decrease side effects, boost bioavailability, and enhance medication targeting.

★ Global Impact and Accessibility

The most recent advancements in the production and distribution of artemisinin extract have increased its availability in environments with limited resources. This has significantly decreased the prevalence of malaria worldwide, particularly in developing nations.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Artemisinin Extract Powder, please feel free to contact us at april@inhealthnature.com. Together, let's embrace the power of this wonderful extract for a healthier future.