Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone compound with anti-malarial activity against cerebral malaria causing and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Artemisinin and some of its derivatives have anti-tumor properties and are effective against other clinically significant parasites. Artemisinin was isolated from Artemisia annua L in 1972 by Youyou Tu at the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition to anti-malarial properties, Artemisinin also has antiviral properties, reportedly reducing the proliferation of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
Artemisinin-Piperaquine (AP) is a new-generation artemisinin antimalarial compound that has potential utility for COVID-19.