Artesunate

A semisynthetic derivative of the natural product artemisinin which is clinically useful for treatment of malaria and other parasitic diseases. Depolarizes mitochondrial the membrane via generation of reactive oxygen species which disrupt the electron transport chain.1 Generation of mitochondrial ROS is dependent on RIP1.2 Inhibits TNFα-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in human RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes.3 Displays cytotoxicity against a variety of cancer cells4 and cancer stem cells5.