Artemisinin

PhytochemicalSesquiterpene lactone

What is it

Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) and is the parent compound of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), the standard antimalarial drugs worldwide.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Malaria (pharmaceutical ACT, not herbal supplement)

Strong Evidence

Artemisinin combination therapies are the global first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria with very strong evidence. WHO advises against monotherapy or unstandardized herbal products to limit resistance.

How it works

In Plasmodium-infected red blood cells, iron from heme cleaves the endoperoxide bridge in artemisinin to form reactive radicals that damage parasite proteins. This mechanism underlies its rapid antimalarial action. Outside of malaria, artemisinin and derivatives are being studied for parasitic and oncology indications, but supplement-level dietary use is distinct from pharmaceutical antimalarial therapy.

Dosage

Pharmaceutical use is dictated by treatment regimens. Supplement Artemisia annua products vary widely; clinical guidelines warn against using herbal artemisinin alone for malaria treatment because of resistance risks.

When and how to take it

Pharmaceutical antimalarial use follows specific regimens. Casual supplement timing is not recommended in place of standard antimalarial care.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Artemisia annua extract

Supplement form; not for self-treating infection.

Highly variable artemisinin content; not standardized like pharmaceuticals.

Artemisinin or derivative (artesunate, artemether) - pharmaceutical

Used in clinical malaria treatment.

Defined pharmaceutical preparations.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in malaria treatment courses. Possible side effects include GI symptoms and rare hypersensitivity. Long-term high-dose data are limited. Concerns about hepatotoxicity at very high doses.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy (especially first trimester) for non-essential use. People with G6PD deficiency should be cautious. Coordinate with a clinician for any infection-related use.

Interactions

May interact with drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes; specific interactions depend on derivative. Effects on hormonal contraceptives possible.

Food sources

Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) leaf

Amount
variable artemisinin content
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Can I use artemisinin supplement to treat malaria?⌄

No. WHO and major health authorities specifically advise against using herbal monotherapy for malaria because of resistance risks. Use prescribed artemisinin-combination therapy under medical care.

Is artemisinin a proven cancer treatment?⌄

Artemisinin and its derivatives have ongoing oncology research, but it is not approved or proven as a cancer treatment.

References

Artemisinin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Artemisinin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Artemisinin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.