Anticancer Potential of Artemisinin Derivative-Dihydroartemisinin

Artemisinin is famous for its effectiveness of treating malaria for years. Potential of artemisinin in treating cancer has been recently recognized. In this study, the anticancer potential of artemisinin and its derivative dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is comprehensively illustrated, including brief introduction of background and clinical applications. Artemisinin derivatives, especially dihydroartemisinin, of which the anticancer mechanism such as induction of apoptosis, inhibition of peripheral blood vessels has also been depicted. Cases of clinical study of cervical cancer and breast cancer are also reported to further proof the anticancer efficiency of dihydroartemisinin. Finally, summary of perspectives and significance of artemisinin and DHA is also provided.