Efficacy and Safety of Artemisinin-Piperaquine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria: A Systematic Review

Abstract

resistance is of a great concern, additional RCTs with high-quality and more rigorous design are warranted to substantiate the efficacy and safety in different populations and epidemiological regions.

Repurposing Anti-Malaria Phytomedicine Artemisinin as a COVID-19 Drug

“…The pharmacokinetics of Artemisinin after a single oral dose was examined in multiple small clinical studies employing Artemisinin most often at the clinically active 500 mg dose level alone or in combination with other antimalarial drugs, such as piperaquine, and showed a rapid elimination within 2–3 h ( Duc et al, 1994 ; De Vries et al, 1997 ; Ashton et al, 1998 ; Gordi et al, 2002 ; Hien et al, 2011 ; Wang et al, 2020 ; Li et al, 2021 ). Due to its time-dependent enzymatic metabolism in the liver by the liver microsomal enzymes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4, the daily systemic exposure level rapidly declines in 5–7 days treatment cycles.…”

“…Orally administered Artemisinin and Artemisinin derivatives are generally well-tolerated, especially when used for a short treatment course ( Duc et al, 1994 ; De Vries et al, 1997 ; Ashton et al, 1998 ; Gordi et al, 2002 ; Hien et al, 2011 ; Li et al, 2018 ; Wang et al, 2020 ; Li et al, 2021 ). Except for the rare occurrence of hepatotoxicity and mild-moderate headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and anorexia, Artemisinin was found to be clinically safe in healthy volunteers as well as malaria patients ( Duc et al, 1994 ; De Vries et al, 1997 ; Ashton et al, 1998 ; Gordi et al, 2002 ; Hien et al, 2011 ; Li et al, 2018 ; Wang et al, 2020 ; Li et al, 2021 ). Severe hemolytic anemia requiring transfusion is a well-documented complication encountered within 28 days of therapy initiation by 20–25% of malaria patients treated with parenterally administered Artusenate and it necessitates close clinical monitoring for risk mitigation ( Jauréguiberry et al, 2014 ; Savargaonkar et al, 2020 ).…”

Targeting TGF-β pathway with COVID-19 Drug Candidate ARTIVeda/PulmoHeal Accelerates Recovery from Mild-Moderate COVID-19

“…Artemisinin and its antimalarial properties were discovered by the Chinese scientist Tu Youyu, who became one of the laureates of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this discovery (12). Artemisinin and Artemisinin derivatives are generally well-tolerated, especially when used for a short treatment course (10, 12, 18-24). Except for the rare occurrence of hepatotoxicity and mild-moderate headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and anorexia, Artemisinin was found to be clinically safe in healthy volunteers as well as malaria patients (10, 12, 18-24).…”

“…Artemisinin and Artemisinin derivatives are generally well-tolerated, especially when used for a short treatment course (10, 12, 18-24). Except for the rare occurrence of hepatotoxicity and mild-moderate headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and anorexia, Artemisinin was found to be clinically safe in healthy volunteers as well as malaria patients (10, 12, 18-24). In the present study, ARTIVeda was administered daily for 5 days as an adjunct to the Remdesivir-based SOC at Site 201, Dexamethasone/Heparin-based SOC at Site 202, or Ivermectin-based SOC at Site 203.…”

“…Artemisinin and Artemisinin derivatives are generally welltolerated, especially when used for a short treatment course (10,12,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). Except for the rare occurrence of hepatotoxicity and mild-moderate headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and anorexia, Artemisinin was found to be clinically safe in healthy volunteers as well as malaria patients (10,12,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). In the present study, ARTIVeda was administered daily for Artemisinin and some of its chemical derivatives exhibit broad-spectrum antiviral activity against pathogenic human viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (11,12).…”