Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
09:09
Lethality Bioassay Using Artemia salina L.
Published on: October 11, 2022
9.8K
Artemisinin and Its Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Luan Wen1, Ben Chung-Lap Chan1, Ming-Hua Qiu2
1Institute of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Artemisinin, derived from a Chinese herb, shows promise beyond malaria treatment. This review explores its potential anticancer effects, mechanisms, and clinical applications for future cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone from *Artemisia annua* L. (qinghao).
- It possesses an endoperoxide bridge, crucial for its biological activity.
- Widely used for malaria, it also exhibits anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on artemisinin and its derivatives for anticancer potential.
- To discuss their pharmacological effects and mechanisms in cancer therapy.
- To examine ongoing clinical trials for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of pharmacological studies on artemisinin derivatives.
- Examination of clinical trial data related to cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Artemisinin and derivatives demonstrate significant anticancer effects in preclinical studies.
- Multiple mechanisms of action are proposed, including induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation.
- Clinical trials are exploring their efficacy in various cancer types.
Conclusions:
- Artemisinin and its derivatives represent a promising class of compounds for cancer therapy.
- Further research is warranted to optimize their use and explore novel applications.
- This review highlights their potential to advance cancer treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
11:13Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023
1.5K
13:18Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: March 3, 2023
1.2K
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
2.0K
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.0K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
7.5K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.5K
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
1.9K
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
1.9K
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
4.9K
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
4.9K
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
3.8K
Synergism is a useful mechanism where combining two or more drugs is more effective than each constituent used alone. Such combinations are also called supra-additive interactions. The drugs collectively enhance the final therapeutic effect by acting on different targets. Another advantage is that the low dose of each constituent drug is sufficient to achieve the desired effect. This helps reduce the duration of therapy and lower the adverse effects of these drugs.
Such synergistic combinations...
Such synergistic combinations...
3.8K
02:59Cancer Prevention
6.1K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
6.1K