Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions of artemisinin and its derivatives

Mediators Inflamm. 2015:2015:435713. doi: 10.1155/2015/435713. Epub 2015 Apr 16.

Abstract

Artemisinin and its derivatives are widely used in the world as the first-line antimalarial drug. Recently, growing evidences reveal that artemisinin and its derivatives also possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. Meanwhile, researchers around the world are still exploring the unknown bioactivities of artemisinin derivatives. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion on recent advances of artemisinin derivatives affecting inflammation and autoimmunity, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and also drug development of artemisinins beyond antimalarial functions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry*
  • Antimalarials / chemistry*
  • Artemisinins / chemistry*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Autoimmunity
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / metabolism
  • Immune System
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / chemistry
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antimalarials
  • Artemisinins
  • Immunosuppressive Agents