From Traditional Use to Modern Evidence: The Medicinal Chemistry of Antimalarials from Genus Artemisia

While the use of plants in traditional medicine dates back to 1500 B.C., modern advancements led to the development of innovative therapeutic techniques. On the other hand, in the field of anti-infective agents, lack of efficacy and the onset of resistance stimulate the search for novel agents. Genus Artemisia is one of the most diverse among perennial plants with a variety of species, properties, and chemical components. The genus is known for its therapeutic values and, in particular, for its role in the origin of antimalarial agents derived from artemisinin. In this review, we aim to provide an updated overview of the evolution of natural and natureinspired compounds related to the genus Artemisia that have been proven, in vitro and in vivo, to possess antimalarial properties. An overview of the chemical composition and a description of the ethnopharmacological aspects will be presented, as well as an updated report on in vitro and in vivo evidence that allowed the translation of artemisinin and its derivatives from traditional chemistry into modern medicinal chemistry. The biological and structural properties will be discussed, also dedicating attention to the challenging tasks that still are open, such as the identification of optimal combination strategies, the routes of administration, and the full assessment of the mechanism of action.