Discussion on artemisinin and its derivatives for treatment of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Since the initial cases of the Coronavirus Disease in 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan in December 2019, more and more cases have been found and confirmed, not only in central China but also in other countries. Given there are still no effective drugs many approved "old drugs" are in clinical test for treating COVID-19 at present. Artemisinin, a first-line antimalarial drug recommended by WHO, has been validated to possess a variety of pharmacological effects, including, without limitation, antiinflammatory, immune regulation, anti-pulmonary fibrosis, antibacterial, antiviral and cardiovascular effects, and the like. In this paper, various pharmacological effects of Artemisinin and its derivatives have been summarized, with the emphasis on the mechanism of action, so as to explore its potential medicinal value, especially for treating COVID-19.