Artemisinin is a powerful natural compound extracted from the plant Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), renowned worldwide for its potent antimalarial properties. With CAS number 63968-64-9 and molecular formula C15H22O5, artemisinin has revolutionized the treatment of malaria and saved millions of lives since its discovery.

This comprehensive guide provides industrial buyers and healthcare professionals with detailed information about artemisinin’s properties, applications, benefits, and sourcing considerations.

What is Artemisinin?

Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide compound naturally produced by the plant Artemisia annua, also known as sweet wormwood or qinghao. This remarkable compound was discovered in 1972 by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for her groundbreaking work.

The unique endoperoxide bridge in artemisinin’s chemical structure is responsible for its remarkable antimalarial activity, making it effective against drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum and other malaria parasites.

Propiedades químicas

• Número CAS: 63968-64-9
• Fórmula molecular: C15H22O5
• Peso molecular: 282.33 g/mol
• IUPAC Name: (1R,4S,5R,8S,9R,12S,13R)-1,5,9-trimethyl-11,14,15,16-tetraoxatetracyclo[10.3.1.04,13.08,13]hexadecan-10-one
• Apariencia: Colorless to white crystalline solid
• Punto de fusión: 152-154°C
• Solubilidad: Poorly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
• Rotación óptica: +76° to +79° (c=1, CHCl3)

Therapeutic Applications and Uses

Artemisinin and its derivatives serve multiple critical medical applications:

1. Malaria Treatment

Artemisinin is the cornerstone of modern antimalarial therapy. Its rapid action against Plasmodium parasites makes it exceptionally effective in treating uncomplicated and severe malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

2. Artemisinin Derivatives

Several semi-synthetic derivatives have been developed to enhance efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties:

• Artemether: Oil-soluble derivative, available for oral and intramuscular administration
• Artesunate: Water-soluble derivative, available for intravenous, intramuscular, and oral use
• Dihydroartemisinin: Active metabolite with enhanced potency
• Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs): Combined with other antimalarial drugs for improved efficacy and resistance prevention

3. Potential Anticancer Properties

Research has shown that artemisinin and its derivatives exhibit cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, including breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer. The compound induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor cell proliferation through iron-dependent mechanisms.

4. Antiviral Applications

Studies have explored artemisinin’s potential antiviral properties against various viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and some RNA viruses. Research in this area is ongoing.

5. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Artemisinin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies, showing potential in treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Benefits and Advantages

Rapid Parasite Clearance

One of artemisinin’s greatest advantages is its rapid action. It can reduce parasite biomass by a factor of 10,000 per reproductive cycle, significantly faster than other antimalarial drugs.

Activity Against Drug-Resistant Parasites

Artemisinin remains effective against chloroquine-resistant and multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, making it crucial in the global fight against malaria.

Broad-Spectrum Activity

The compound is effective against multiple Plasmodium species, including P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale.

Safety Profile

When used as directed, artemisinin-based treatments are generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Common side effects are usually mild and include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Seguridad y manipulación

Proper handling and storage of artemisinin is essential to maintain its efficacy:

Storage Requirements

• Store in airtight containers protected from light
• Keep at temperatures below 25°C (77°F)
• Store in a cool, dry environment
• Protect from moisture and humidity

Precauciones de seguridad

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Avoid inhalation of dust
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling
• Consult safety data sheet (SDS) before use

Chemical Specifications

Poor in water; soluble in organic solvents

Property	Valor
Número CAS	63968-64-9
Fórmula molecular	C15H22O5
Peso molecular	282.33 g/mol
Apariencia	Colorless/white crystalline solid
Punto de fusión	152-154°C
Pureza	95-99%+
Solubilidad
Rotación óptica	+76° to +79°

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAS number of Artemisinin?

The CAS number for Artemisinin is 63968-64-9.

What is Artemisinin primarily used for?

Artemisinin is primarily used as an antimalarial drug. It is the basis for artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the WHO-recommended first-line treatment for malaria.

Is Artemisinin safe during pregnancy?

Artemisinin derivatives are generally not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, the WHO recommends ACTs for treating uncomplicated malaria in the second and third trimesters when necessary.

What is the difference between Artemisinin and Artemether?

Artemisinin is the natural compound extracted from Artemisia annua, while Artemether is a semi-synthetic derivative (methyl ether) of artemisinin. Artemether has improved solubility and pharmacokinetic properties.

Can Artemisinin be used for cancer treatment?

While preclinical studies show promising anticancer effects, artemisinin is not approved for cancer treatment. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate its potential therapeutic applications in oncology.

How does Artemisinin work against malaria parasites?

Artemisinin’s endoperoxide bridge reacts with iron in the parasite’s hemoglobin, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage the parasite’s membranes and proteins, leading to parasite death.

Why Choose Our Artemisinin?

• High Purity: Our Artemisinin meets international pharmacopeial standards with 98%+ purity
• Quality Assured: Manufactured under GMP conditions with rigorous quality control
• Reliable Supply: Consistent availability for pharmaceutical manufacturing needs
• Technical Support: Our team provides technical documentation and support
• Competitive Pricing: Attractive rates for bulk orders
• Global Shipping: Reliable worldwide distribution

Related Products

If you’re interested in Artemisinin, you may also find these related products useful:

• Artemisinin (this product)
• Artemether (CAS 71963-77-4)
• Dihydroartemisinin (CAS 71939-50-9)
• Artemisia Annua Extract

Contact us today to learn more about Artemisinin and our other pharmaceutical intermediates. Our team is ready to assist with your sourcing requirements.