Description
Dihydroartemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone that can be derived from Artemisia. Dihydroartemisinin exhibits anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthma, and anti-parasitic activities. Artemisinins such as dihydroartemisinin are best known for their antimalarial activity. Dihydroartemisinin induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, increasing levels of ROS and Bax; it also inhibits mTORC1 in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Dihydroartemisinin displays antimicrobial activity against Plasmodium, Schistosoma, and human cytomegalovirus. This compound also decreases levels of inflammatory cells, Th2 cytokines, IgE, and mucus secretion, suppressing airway hyper-responsiveness in animal models of asthma.