ARTEMISIN ANNUAARTEMISIN ANNUASweet WormwoodSweet WormwoodDamong MariaDamong Maria

ARTEMISIN ANNUAARTEMISIN ANNUASweet Worm woodSweet Worm wood

ARTEMISIN ANNUAARTEMISIN ANNUASweet worm woodSweet worm wood

Damong MariaDamong Maria

TRADITIONAL CHINESE TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERB OFFERS CURE HERB OFFERS CURE

FOR MALARIA AND FOR MALARIA AND POSSIBLY CANCER!POSSIBLY CANCER!

BY KATHLEEN B. DEOULBY KATHLEEN B. DEOUL

China has a tradition of using herbal medicine China has a tradition of using herbal medicine that dates back over 2,000 years. that dates back over 2,000 years.

In 1965, Chinese military researchers began In 1965, Chinese military researchers began looking at traditional herbal remedies to see looking at traditional herbal remedies to see if they could find one that was effective if they could find one that was effective against the strain of Malaria endemic to against the strain of Malaria endemic to Vietnam. Vietnam.

In short order they hit on an herb known as In short order they hit on an herb known as “sweet wormwood.” “sweet wormwood.”

Sweet wormwood had been used to treat a Sweet wormwood had been used to treat a variety of illnesses in China for more than two variety of illnesses in China for more than two millennia. millennia.

Normally administered as a tea, it had no Normally administered as a tea, it had no noticeable side effects and seemed quite noticeable side effects and seemed quite effective. effective.

The Chinese military researchers were able to The Chinese military researchers were able to isolate the isolate the active ingredientactive ingredient in sweet in sweet wormwood, a substance called wormwood, a substance called Artemisinin,Artemisinin, and to develop a simple process to extract it. and to develop a simple process to extract it.

ARTEMISININ’S EFFECTIVENESSARTEMISININ’S EFFECTIVENESS

They found that Artemisinin was effective against all They found that Artemisinin was effective against all strains of Malaria, and its therapeutic action was rapid. strains of Malaria, and its therapeutic action was rapid.

In one clinical trial, it was found to destroy 95% of the In one clinical trial, it was found to destroy 95% of the Malaria parasites in patients within twenty hours. Malaria parasites in patients within twenty hours.

The fever typically accompanying a Malaria infection was The fever typically accompanying a Malaria infection was gone within eight hours. gone within eight hours.

There were There were no side effectsno side effects. . Other studies of Artemisinin confirmed its effectiveness Other studies of Artemisinin confirmed its effectiveness

and rapid action – something particularly important for and rapid action – something particularly important for the treatment of very young children who account for the treatment of very young children who account for 90% of all Malaria deaths. 90% of all Malaria deaths.

Because sweet wormwood is easy to Because sweet wormwood is easy to cultivate and because the extraction cultivate and because the extraction process to separate out the Artemisinin is process to separate out the Artemisinin is simple, it was cheap to manufacture. simple, it was cheap to manufacture.

In other words, it was the perfect answer to In other words, it was the perfect answer to the developing world’s Malaria pandemic. the developing world’s Malaria pandemic.

But how does Artemisinin work? But how does Artemisinin work?

The answer to this question may The answer to this question may have implications for global health have implications for global health that go far beyond its that go far beyond its effectiveness against Malaria.effectiveness against Malaria.

ArtemisininArtemisinin

Artemisinin contains a Artemisinin contains a bioactive peroxide molecule.bioactive peroxide molecule. This molecule is the key to its effectiveness against the This molecule is the key to its effectiveness against the

Malaria parasite. Malaria parasite. Malaria grows in the body’s erythrocytes ( red blood Malaria grows in the body’s erythrocytes ( red blood

cells ). cells ). Hemoglobin, a major component of red blood cells, Hemoglobin, a major component of red blood cells,

contains large amounts of “unbound” or free iron. contains large amounts of “unbound” or free iron. The iron plays a crucial role in the function of red blood The iron plays a crucial role in the function of red blood

cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. cells to transport oxygen throughout the body.

The The peroxide moleculeperoxide molecule in Artemisinin in Artemisinin reacts with the iron in the red blood cells reacts with the iron in the red blood cells to to create free radicalscreate free radicals that in turn that in turn destroy the parasite’s membranes, killing destroy the parasite’s membranes, killing it. it.

This mechanism may be the reason why This mechanism may be the reason why Malaria parasites are unable to Malaria parasites are unable to develop a resistance to Artemisinin. develop a resistance to Artemisinin.

The belief that oxygen plays a key role in The belief that oxygen plays a key role in the Artemisinin anti-malaria mechanism the Artemisinin anti-malaria mechanism has been reinforced by studies of has been reinforced by studies of derivatives of the derivatives of the substance that do not substance that do not contain the peroxide molecule.contain the peroxide molecule.

These were found to be These were found to be ineffective ineffective against malariaagainst malaria..

When other drugs such as miconazole and When other drugs such as miconazole and doxorubicin that also generate free doxorubicin that also generate free radicals through an oxygen interaction radicals through an oxygen interaction were used in conjunction with were used in conjunction with Artemisinin, its effect was enhanced. Artemisinin, its effect was enhanced.

When substances that retard free radical When substances that retard free radical creation such as vitamin E were used in creation such as vitamin E were used in conjunction, its effect was reduced. conjunction, its effect was reduced.

In a separate study where the antioxidant In a separate study where the antioxidant defenses of rats were manipulated, it was defenses of rats were manipulated, it was discovered that those with weaker discovered that those with weaker antioxidant defenses were more resistant antioxidant defenses were more resistant to the Malaria parasite, whereas those to the Malaria parasite, whereas those with enhanced antioxidant defenses were with enhanced antioxidant defenses were more vulnerable to the disease. more vulnerable to the disease.

But why is it so important that But why is it so important that Artemisinin transport oxygen Artemisinin transport oxygen to cells? to cells?

The answer lies in the research of The answer lies in the research of German Nobel Laureate Otto German Nobel Laureate Otto Warburg. Warburg.

A POSSIBLE CANCER CURE?A POSSIBLE CANCER CURE?

Warburg won the Nobel Prize in 1928 for Warburg won the Nobel Prize in 1928 for describing the way a cancer cell describing the way a cancer cell functions. functions.

A key element of his research was to A key element of his research was to establish that establish that cancer cells were cancer cells were “anaerobic.”“anaerobic.”

That is to say that That is to say that they required an they required an ABSENCE of oxygen to survive. ABSENCE of oxygen to survive.

Since 1928, countless researchers have Since 1928, countless researchers have worked to find a way to transport oxygen worked to find a way to transport oxygen to cancer cells.to cancer cells.

Although some researchers, such as Dr. Although some researchers, such as Dr. Keith Brewer, developed treatments Keith Brewer, developed treatments based on this principle, their discoveries based on this principle, their discoveries were either ignored or attacked. were either ignored or attacked.

But in the case of Artemisinin, the fact that it is But in the case of Artemisinin, the fact that it is approved by the FDA for use in humans may approved by the FDA for use in humans may finally open the door to an oxygen-based finally open the door to an oxygen-based approach to cancer treatment. approach to cancer treatment.

Once a drug is approved for one purpose, it can Once a drug is approved for one purpose, it can be prescribed by physicians to treat any be prescribed by physicians to treat any disease they deem appropriate. disease they deem appropriate.

This practice is called “off-label prescribing” and This practice is called “off-label prescribing” and is widespread within the medical community. is widespread within the medical community.

Soon, though, it may not be necessary to engage Soon, though, it may not be necessary to engage in such subterfuge. in such subterfuge.

Professor Henry Lai and Assistant Professor Henry Lai and Assistant Professor Narendra Singh of the Professor Narendra Singh of the University of Washington have been University of Washington have been conducting in vitro experiments to conducting in vitro experiments to determine the effectiveness of determine the effectiveness of Artemisinin in fighting cancer. Artemisinin in fighting cancer.

A study concerning their research A study concerning their research published in the Journal Life Sciences published in the Journal Life Sciences described how the compound killed described how the compound killed virtually all human breast cancer cells virtually all human breast cancer cells exposed to it within sixteen hours. exposed to it within sixteen hours.

According to Dr. Lai, “Not only does it According to Dr. Lai, “Not only does it appear to be effective, but it’s very appear to be effective, but it’s very selective.” selective.”

He continued “it’s highly toxic to the cancer He continued “it’s highly toxic to the cancer cells, but has a marginal impact on cells, but has a marginal impact on normal breast cells.”normal breast cells.”

Dr. Lai has been investigating the potential Dr. Lai has been investigating the potential of Artemisinin in regard to treating of Artemisinin in regard to treating various types of cancer for over seven various types of cancer for over seven years with consistently promising results. years with consistently promising results.

He has developed a “cocktail” consisting of He has developed a “cocktail” consisting of holotransferrin, a substance that binds holotransferrin, a substance that binds with a cancer cells “transferring with a cancer cells “transferring receptors,” the part of the cell that receptors,” the part of the cell that absorbs iron and a water soluble form of absorbs iron and a water soluble form of Artemisinin. Artemisinin.

Cancer cells normally absorb much more Cancer cells normally absorb much more iron than healthy cells. iron than healthy cells.

Therefore the chemical cocktail is attracted Therefore the chemical cocktail is attracted to the diseased cells and brings the to the diseased cells and brings the Artemisinin along with it. Artemisinin along with it.

Although full-scale human trials have not been Although full-scale human trials have not been conducted as yet, in one animal trial, a dog conducted as yet, in one animal trial, a dog with severe bone cancer was completely cured with severe bone cancer was completely cured within five days of being given the Artemisinin within five days of being given the Artemisinin cocktail. cocktail.

According to Dr. Lai, Artemisinin could open the According to Dr. Lai, Artemisinin could open the door to a whole new era of cancer treatment.door to a whole new era of cancer treatment.

Patients could be given a prescription for a pill Patients could be given a prescription for a pill they could take at home without the need to go they could take at home without the need to go through expensive hospital-based treatments.through expensive hospital-based treatments.

““That would be very easy, and this That would be very easy, and this [Artemisinin] could make that possible. [Artemisinin] could make that possible. The cost is another plus – it’s very The cost is another plus – it’s very cheap. And with millions of people who cheap. And with millions of people who have already taken Artemisinin for have already taken Artemisinin for Malaria we have a track record showing Malaria we have a track record showing that it’s safe.”that it’s safe.”

Dr. Lai continued “The fascinating thing is Dr. Lai continued “The fascinating thing is that this was something the Chinese that this was something the Chinese used thousands of years ago. We simply used thousands of years ago. We simply found a different application.”found a different application.”

The real question is not whether The real question is not whether Artemisinin will eventually become part of Artemisinin will eventually become part of the arsenal for fighting cancer as it has the arsenal for fighting cancer as it has become part of the arsenal for fighting become part of the arsenal for fighting Malaria. Malaria.

Given the amazing results of Dr. Lai’s Given the amazing results of Dr. Lai’s research, it undoubtedly will. research, it undoubtedly will.

The real question is whether Big The real question is whether Big Pharma and its allies in government Pharma and its allies in government will make the public wait three will make the public wait three decades before it becomes available.decades before it becomes available.

Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active flavone derived Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active flavone derived from Artemisia plants, induces apoptosisfrom Artemisia plants, induces apoptosis** in human in human promyelocytic leukemia cells.promyelocytic leukemia cells.

SeoSeo HJ HJ, Surh YJ, Surh YJ..College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Shinlim-dong, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Shinlim-dong,

Kwanak-gu, 151-742, Seoul, South Korea.Kwanak-gu, 151-742, Seoul, South Korea.

AbstractAbstractExtracts of the whole herb of Artemisia Extracts of the whole herb of Artemisia

asiatica Nakai (Asteraceae) have been asiatica Nakai (Asteraceae) have been used in traditional oriental medicine for used in traditional oriental medicine for the treatment of inflammation, cancer the treatment of inflammation, cancer and other disorders. and other disorders.

In the present work, we have In the present work, we have evaluated the apoptosisevaluated the apoptosis**-inducing -inducing capability of eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-capability of eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyflavone), a 3,4,6-trimethoxyflavone), a pharmacologically active ingredient pharmacologically active ingredient of A. asiatica, in cultured human of A. asiatica, in cultured human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. cells.

*ap·op·to·sis ( p p-t s s,  p -t -)n. A natural process of self-destruction in certain cells that is determined by the genes and can be initiated by a stimulus or by removal of a repressor agent. Also called programmed cell death.The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

► ►Thus, eupatilin exhibited concentration-Thus, eupatilin exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on viability and dependent inhibitory effects on viability and DNA synthesis capability of HL-60 cells. DNA synthesis capability of HL-60 cells.

►►The anti-proliferative effect of eupatilin was The anti-proliferative effect of eupatilin was attributable to its apoptosis-inducing activity, attributable to its apoptosis-inducing activity, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into cytoplasm, proteolytic activation of caspases-9, cytoplasm, proteolytic activation of caspases-9, -3, and -7, and cleavage of poly(ADP--3, and -7, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase. ribose)polymerase.

►►Eupatilin-induced HL-60 cell apoptosis does Eupatilin-induced HL-60 cell apoptosis does not appear to be mediated via alteration in Bcl-not appear to be mediated via alteration in Bcl-2/Bax-2. 2/Bax-2. ►►Taken together, the above findings suggest Taken together, the above findings suggest that that eupatilin has chemopreventive and eupatilin has chemopreventive and cytotoxic effects.cytotoxic effects.

PMID: 11551495 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]PMID: 11551495 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2005;24(4):261-9.J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2005;24(4):261-9.

Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active flavone derived Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active flavone derived from Artemisia plants, induces apoptosis in human from Artemisia plants, induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer (AGS) cells.gastric cancer (AGS) cells.Kim MJ, Kim DH, Na HK, Oh TY, Shin CY, Surh Ph D Professor YJ.Kim MJ, Kim DH, Na HK, Oh TY, Shin CY, Surh Ph D Professor YJ.

National Research Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention, College of Pharmacy, National Research Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.

AbstractAbstract

Extracts of Artemisia asiatica Nakai (Asteraceae) possess anti-inflammatory and Extracts of Artemisia asiatica Nakai (Asteraceae) possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. antioxidative activities.

Eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3',4', 6-trimethoxyflavone), one of the pharmacologically active Eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3',4', 6-trimethoxyflavone), one of the pharmacologically active ingredients derived from A. asiatica was shown to ingredients derived from A. asiatica was shown to induce apoptosis in human induce apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemiapromyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. (HL-60) cells.

In the present study, we examined the ability of eupatilin to induce apoptosis in human In the present study, we examined the ability of eupatilin to induce apoptosis in human gastric cancer (AGS) cells. gastric cancer (AGS) cells.

Eupatilin induced the apoptosis of AGS cellsEupatilin induced the apoptosis of AGS cells as revealed by a decrease in the ratio of as revealed by a decrease in the ratio of pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, as well as the cleavage of caspase-3 and pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, as well as the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP).poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP).

The pro-apoptotic effects of eupatilin were further verified by its perturbation of the The pro-apoptotic effects of eupatilin were further verified by its perturbation of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim). mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim).

In addition, eupatilin treatment led to an elevated expression of p53 and p21. In addition, eupatilin treatment led to an elevated expression of p53 and p21. Eupatilin inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 and Akt, which are important components of cell-Eupatilin inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 and Akt, which are important components of cell-

survival pathways.survival pathways.

PMID: 16393120 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINEPMID: 16393120 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

Family • CompositaeFamily • Compositae

Damong mariaDamong mariaArtemisia vulgarisArtemisia vulgaris Linn. Linn.

MAIDEN WORT, CHINESE MAIDEN WORT, CHINESE HONEYSUCKLE, WORMWOOD HONEYSUCKLE, WORMWOOD

AiAi

Parts utilized: Parts utilized: Leaves and flowersLeaves and flowersUses: Uses: FolkloricFolkloric

- Decoction of fresh leaves and flowering - Decoction of fresh leaves and flowering tops, 50 g in a pint of water, 4-5 glasses tops, 50 g in a pint of water, 4-5 glasses daily as expectorant.daily as expectorant.- Juice of leaves used as vulnerary, to - Juice of leaves used as vulnerary, to heal wounds and cuts.heal wounds and cuts.- As emmenagogue: A strong decoction - As emmenagogue: A strong decoction of leaves, 6-7 glasses a day to induce of leaves, 6-7 glasses a day to induce menstruation; also, for post-partum menstruation; also, for post-partum abdominal cramps.abdominal cramps.- Juice of leaves applied to head of - Juice of leaves applied to head of young children during convulsions.young children during convulsions.

- For intestinal deworming, decoction - For intestinal deworming, decoction of boiled leaves, followed by the juice of boiled leaves, followed by the juice of aloe or other purgative plants.of aloe or other purgative plants.- Decoction of leaves used for - Decoction of leaves used for abdominal colic pains.abdominal colic pains.- Leaf poultice for headache and skin - Leaf poultice for headache and skin diseases.diseases.- Decoction of dried leaves used for - Decoction of dried leaves used for asthma and dyspepsia.asthma and dyspepsia.- Juice used externally for scabies, - Juice used externally for scabies, eczema, herpes.eczema, herpes.

- With ginger: Pounded leaves, mixed with - With ginger: Pounded leaves, mixed with ginger are wrapped in banana leaves and ginger are wrapped in banana leaves and heated over a fire, and applied to wounds and heated over a fire, and applied to wounds and swollen and inflammed dermal afflictions.swollen and inflammed dermal afflictions.- Stimulates appetite, young leaves used for - Stimulates appetite, young leaves used for anorexia.anorexia.OthersOthers- Flowering tops of mugwort used by modern - Flowering tops of mugwort used by modern dyers in the production of green dye.dyers in the production of green dye.-Before tobacco, leaves smoked by old people.-Before tobacco, leaves smoked by old people.- Young and tender leaves used as pot herb.- Young and tender leaves used as pot herb.- - Fresh or dried plant repels insects.Fresh or dried plant repels insects.

Moxa Moxa - Fresh leaves are picked in the spring and - Fresh leaves are picked in the spring and sun-dried, then ground to a fine powder (moxa sun-dried, then ground to a fine powder (moxa wool). The wool is kneaded into cones that are wool). The wool is kneaded into cones that are buned on the skin. Sometimes, the Moxa wool buned on the skin. Sometimes, the Moxa wool is prepared in combinationn with the powder of is prepared in combinationn with the powder of other herbals.other herbals.• The burning of moxa herb sticks (compressed • The burning of moxa herb sticks (compressed dried leaves) is a treatment modality of the dried leaves) is a treatment modality of the acupuncturist. It is placed above the skin, acupuncturist. It is placed above the skin, along meridians or specific acupuncture points, along meridians or specific acupuncture points, mean to restore good health, energy balancing, mean to restore good health, energy balancing, release of Qi - a process called Moxibustion.release of Qi - a process called Moxibustion.• The moxibustion of mugwort has been used • The moxibustion of mugwort has been used in correcting breech presentation of fetuses in correcting breech presentation of fetuses into cephalic orientation. Also used to cause into cephalic orientation. Also used to cause abortion.abortion.