A golden phoenix arising from the herbal nest——A review and reflection on the study of antimalarial drug Qinghaosu

摘要

Qinghaosu (QHS) and its derivatives are a new generation of antimalarial drugs characterized by fast action, high efficacy, and good tolerance. This feature article states the discovery of QHS from traditional Chinese medicine qinghao (Artemisia annua L.) and reviews the progress during the past four decades in the research of phytochemistry of A. annua, chemical reactions and biotransformation of QHS, chemical synthesis and biosynthesis of QHS, synthesis and antimalarial activity of QHS derivatives and analogs, pharmacological studies, clinical application, and the antimalarial mechanism. Undoubtedly, QHS is an example of the value of traditional Chinese medicine in modern medicinal research.