Artemisinin and its derivatives; ancient tradition inspiring the latest therapeutic approaches against malaria.

Artemisinin (ART) is an endoperoxide sesquiterpene lactone, commonly used in the treatment of malaria. Although it was isolated from , a plant widely applied in Chinese Traditional Medicine, its mechanism of action remains uncertain and its clinical use is still limited due to its low solubility, its poor bioavailability and short half-life. Over time, several studies have been aimed towards the discovery of potent ART derivatives that could overcome clinical drawbacks.