ABSTRACT
Chemically, artemisinin is a sesquiterpene trioxane lactone containing an endoperoxide bridge that is essential for its activity. Key features of artemisinin and its derivatives are the rapid onset of action, killing of all asexual stages of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, efficacy against severe malaria, and a rapid clearance rate. The therapeutic value of artemisinins is limited due to poor water and oil solubility, a low bioavailability after oral administration because of rapid degradation by the liver, and a short. Artemisinin-loaded conventional liposomes and polyethylene glycol (PEGylated) liposomes were also developed. Albumin-based nanoparticles were developed as carriers of artemisinin. Artemisinin-loaded poly lactic co-glycolic acid nanoparticles were prepared with a particle size of approximately 220 nm, 29% drug loading, and 69% encapsulation efficiency. The discovery and development of artemisinin is the most exciting and successful breakthrough in medicinal plant drug development for the control of malaria.
