The efficacy and role of artemisinin capsules

Introduction: Artemisinin capsule is an active ingredient extracted from the plant Artemisia annua. It is a pharmaceutical preparation based on artemisinin. Its efficacy and effects include anti-malarial effect, anti-tumor effect, immunomodulatory effect, anti-fungal effect, etc. It can treat malaria and other diseases. It is recommended that patients use it correctly under the guidance of a doctor.

Efficacy and role

Artemisinin and its derivatives have a rapid and efficient killing effect on various malaria parasites. Therefore, artemisinin capsules are suitable for the treatment of vivax malaria and falciparum malaria (including severe and cerebral malaria). They especially show good efficacy in chloroquine-resistant or multi-drug-resistant malaria cases. It can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and therefore has a significant therapeutic effect on cerebral malaria.

It can also induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells and has a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of cancer cells. The anti-tumor effects of artemisinin and its derivatives are mainly achieved by inducing apoptosis. In addition, artemisinin and its derivatives can effectively inhibit T lymphocyte mitogens and induce the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes in mice without causing cytotoxicity, and have potential value in the treatment of T lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune diseases.

Artemisinin capsules also have certain antibacterial activity and can inhibit a variety of bacteria and fungi. Clinically, artemisinin capsules can also be used in combination with Cordyceps sinensis to inhibit the recurrence of lupus nephritis and protect the kidneys. In addition, the anti-fibrotic effect of artemisinin capsules can reduce the degree of fibrosis in lung tissue, and has good practical prospects for the prevention and treatment of scars.

Metabolism

After ingesting artemisinin capsules, artemisinin and its derivatives will be rapidly converted into dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in the blood, and its antimalarial effect is 5-10 times that of artemisinin. DHA is eventually converted in the liver into metabolites such as deoxyartemisinin, deoxydihydroartemisinin, and 9,10-dihydrodeoxyartemisinin. These metabolites lack antimalarial properties due to the loss of the endoperoxide group. All metabolites undergo glucuronidation and are excreted in the urine or feces. DHA is also excreted in the bile as a minor glucuronide. Artemisinin and its derivatives are relatively safe drugs with a high therapeutic index due to their rapid metabolism.

Usage Guide

Artemisinin capsules must be used correctly under the guidance of a doctor. It is usually recommended to take it within 30 minutes after a meal to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and improve drug absorption. The dosage usually depends on the patient's age, weight, severity of the condition, and whether it is used with other medications. For example, an adult patient might start with 0.6 g, add 0.6 g after 4 hours, and then 0.4 g each day for two days. The dosage for children is calculated based on body weight, about 15 mg per kilogram of body weight, and should be taken in three days. Be sure to follow the specific dosage prescribed by your doctor.