Dihydro Artemisinin (CAS 71939-50-9)

Dihydro Artemisinin (DHA) is the main metabolite of Artemisinin, a natural product found in the herb Artemisia annua. It is known for its antimalarial activity. Dihydro Artemisinin acts by interfering with the synthesis of cell membrane lipids, which are essential for the growth and survival of the malaria parasite. It also disrupts the cell cycle of the parasite, leading to its death. Dihydro Artemisinin inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) which is essential for folate synthesis, potentially leading to anemia. Additionally, it suppresses thymidylate synthase which is for DNA synthesis. In vitro studies of Dihydro Artemisinin have been conducted in cell cultures and in isolated organs. These studies have demonstrated that Dihydro Artemisinin is rapidly absorbed and distributed to target organs, with peak concentrations in the plasma occurring within 1 hour of administration. Dihydro Artemisinin is also rapidly metabolized, with the majority of the drug being eliminated within 24 hours. It has shown to be effective against various malaria parasites, such as Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale, as well as other protozoan parasites like Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma brucei.