Abstract
The mechanism of action of artemisinin appears to involve two steps. In the first step, activation, intra-parasitic iron catalyses the cleavage of the endoperoxide bridge and the generation of free radicals. In the second step, alkylation, the artemisinin-derived free radical forms covalent bonds with parasite proteins.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Alkylation
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Animals
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Antimalarials / pharmacology*
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Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
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Artemisinins*
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Biotransformation
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Free Radicals
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Heme / metabolism
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Humans
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Iron / metabolism
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Peroxides / metabolism
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Plasmodium / drug effects
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Sesquiterpenes / pharmacology*
Substances
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Antimalarials
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Antiprotozoal Agents
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Artemisinins
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Free Radicals
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Peroxides
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Sesquiterpenes
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Heme
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artemisinin
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Iron