Artemisinin is a natural bioactive sesquiterpene lactone containing an unusual endoperoxide 1, 2, 4-trioxane ring. It is derived from the herbal medicinal plant Artemisia annua and is best known for its use in treatment of malaria. However, recent studies also indicate the potential for artemisinin and related compounds, commonly referred to as artemisinins, in combating viral infections, inflammation and certain cancers. Moreover, the different potential modes of action of artemisinins make these compounds also potentially relevant to the challenges the world faces in the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial studies indicate positive effects of artemisinin or Artemisia spp. extracts to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 related symptoms and WHO-supervised clinical studies on the potential of artemisinins to combat COVID-19 are now in progress. However, implementing multiple potential new uses of artemisinins will require effective solutions to boost production, either by enhancing synthesis in A. annua itself or through biotechnological engineering in alternative biosynthesis platforms. Because of this renewed interest in artemisinin and its derivatives, here we review its modes of action, its potential application in different diseases including COVID-19, its biosynthesis and future options to boost production. Graphical Abstract Three anti-SARS-CoV-2 potentials of artemisinin and artesunate. Artemisinin (ART) and artesunate (AS) may (1) block interaction of viral spike protein with the human ACE2 receptors, preventing viral endocytosis and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, (2) ART and AS may block activation of NF-κB signaling pathway by IKK, or (3) may interfere directly with p50/p65 transcriptional activity in human cells.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Artemisinin, malaria, Artemisia annua, sesquiterpene lactone, 【초록키워드】 Treatment, Inflammation, SARS-COV-2 infection, COVID-19 pandemic, Symptom, anti-SARS-CoV-2, viral infections, human ACE2, cancers, ART, pathway, receptors, boost, compounds, clinical study, Interaction, viral spike protein, Activation, human cells, positive, transcriptional activity, derivatives, viral endocytosis, NF-κB signaling, Effect, effective, combating, these compound, interfere, different disease, IKK, 【제목키워드】 Demand, option, Like, Increased,