Artemisia (Terpenoids)

General Introduction

• Artemisia contains sesquiterpene lactones, notably artemisinin, which is used in the treatment of malaria.

Synonyms of Artemisia

• Common name: Wormwood

• Scientific name: Artemisia annua

• Synonyms: Qinghao (Chinese)

Biological Source

Artemisia (Terpenoids)

• Derived from the aerial parts of Artemisia annua.

Family

• Asteraceae

Composition

• Major terpenoids:

  • Artemisinin: A sesquiterpene lactone.

  • Other sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes.

Chemistry & Chemical Classes

• Chemical Class: Sesquiterpene lactones.

• Structure:

  • Artemisinin has a peroxide bridge essential for its antimalarial activity.

Therapeutic Uses

• Antimalarial: Used to treat Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

• Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Commercial Applications

• Used in artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for malaria treatment.