Artemisinin

Artemisinin is derived from the plant Artemisia annua. Artemisinin acts on the erythrocytic stage of malaria parasites. When the parasite digests hemoglobin inside red blood cells, free ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) is released. The endoperoxide bridge (-O-O-) within the artemisinin molecule is then cleaved under Fe²⁺ catalysis, generating highly reactive carbon-centered radicals. These radicals damage multiple molecular structures within the parasite, ultimately leading to parasite death.