Artesunate in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Treatment

Wormwood

 Artesunate is a water-soluble ‘artemesinin’ drug  derived from the ‘sweet wormwood’ plant, Artemsia annua, an herb used to treat infections and other illnesses in China for centuries. Interestingly, according to Wikipedia artemsia was lost as an herbal remedy in China until 1970 when an ancient Chinese medical manual dating back to 340 AD was found.  The active ingredient in the plant - artemesinin - was isolated by scientists and it anti-malarial properties were quickly noted (1972). It is now used to treat malaria and schistosoma infections.

Malaria - Artemesia annua is native to China but has become naturalized around the world including the eastern United States. Artesunate was recently approved for emergency use in patients with severe malaria in the United States. Artemesinin drugs are typically well tolerated but can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness.  In April 2009 the FDA approved CoArtem which contains a derivative of artemesinin and a broad spectrum antibiotic called lumefantrine. Upon binding to infected red blood cells artesunate triggers the release of oxygen and carbon-based  free radicals that attack proteins in the parasites.  Artesunate also reduces anti-oxidant activity in the red blood cell thus exposing the cell to high free radical levels. Artesunate is currently being studied as an adjunct to chemotherapeutic agents because of its ability to induce cancerous cells to commit suicide (apoptosis) by inducing high rates of oxidative stress. The ability of the antioxidant NAC to thwart Artesunate’s effects in one study substantiated the important role increased free radical production plays in the drugs effect.

Herpesviruses - Recent culture cell experiments indicated Artesunate was effective at significantly reducing viral protein production in HHV-6A infected cells. A 2005 in vitro study suggested Artesunate significantly reduced cytomegalovirus replication in cells.  Because Artesunate effects HHV-6 early in its life cycle it may hold special promise in the kind of smoldering infections that may occur in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).  Artesunate’s effects on herpesviruses, however, have not been well studied with just five studies published  to date.  Interest in this drug appears to be increasing, however, three of the five studies were published in 2008.  

Artesunate May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because it may be able to reduce herpesvirus activity in some patients. It’s use, however, is highly experimental.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies - none

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Doctor’s Report: According to a patient report of an April, 2009 lecture, Dr. Paul Cheney reports that Artesunate is now a key factor in his treatment protocol.

Dig Deeper! Dr. Cheney Goes His Own Way

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patient’s Report - none




The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.