Artemisinin and the antimalarial endoperoxides: from herbal remedy to targeted chemotherapy.
Artemisinin and its derivatives are endoperoxide-containing compounds which represent a promising new class of antimalarial drugs. In the presence of intraparasitic iron, these drugs are converted into free radicals and other electrophilic intermediates which then alkylate specific malaria target proteins. Combinations of available derivatives and other antimalarial agents show promise both as first-line agents and in the treatment of severe disease.
Meshnick
S R
SR
Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor 48109-2029, USA. meshnick@umich.edu
Taylor
T E
TE
Kamchonwongpaisan
S
S
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D037621:Artemisinins; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010545:Peroxides / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000187:drug effects; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity
D000962:Antimalarials; D037621:Artemisinins; D010545:Peroxides; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C031327:artemisinin