Artemisinin

A recent study has warned that regions with heavy artemisinin usage and favourable environmental conditions could emerge as new hotspots for artemisinin resistance. The study also highlights that in some parts of Africa, the frequency of resistance markers is gradually increasing, which could threaten the effectiveness of malaria treatment in the future.

Background and Discovery

Artemisinin is an antimalarial drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). The drug is obtained by drying the leaves and using a solvent to extract the active compound. The therapeutic benefits of artemisinin were discovered in the 1970s, marking a major breakthrough in malaria treatment, especially at a time when parasites were developing resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.

Mechanism of Action

Artemisinin is effective against all malaria-causing Plasmodium species. It primarily acts on the blood stage of the parasite, where it disrupts the parasite’s ability to replicate within red blood cells, leading to a rapid reduction in parasite load.

Pharmacological Characteristics

One of the key features of artemisinin is its short half-life, as it is eliminated from the body within a few hours. Due to this, artemisinin alone cannot completely eliminate the malaria parasite, and there is a risk of developing resistance if used as monotherapy.

Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT)

To overcome its short duration, artemisinin is always used in combination with a longer-acting partner drug. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the first-line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This combination therapy prevents treatment failure and slows the emergence of resistance.

Derivatives and Clinical Importance

Several derivatives of artemisinin, including artesunate and artemether, are widely used. Artesunate is particularly important because it is highly effective in severe malaria and is the only artemisinin derivative that can be administered intravenously, making it critical in emergency care.

Source: THE HINDU

Join Our Telegram

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala