Artemisinin

Artemisinin (CAS 63968-64-9), also known as Qinghaosu or QHS, is a naturally derived sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide extracted from Artemisia annua. It serves as the foundational starting material for a class of semi-synthetic derivatives.

These derivatives are among the most commercially significant active pharmaceutical ingredients in the antimalarial drug supply chain. The primary commercial demand for this compound is as a pharmaceutical intermediate for chemical conversion.

It is converted into derivatives such as artesunate, artemether, and dihydroartemisinin for inclusion in artemisinin-based combination therapies. Contract manufacturers and API producers source bulk material to feed downstream synthesis pipelines.

These pipelines supply regulated pharmaceutical markets globally. In personal care formulations, it is evaluated as a botanical active in anti-inflammatory and skin-clarifying products targeting oxidative stress pathways.

Fragrance and flavor researchers have also explored its use as a minor ingredient, though pharmaceutical intermediates represent the dominant procurement driver. The material is supplied as an off-white to white crystalline powder.

Standard grades include pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP or in-house specifications, with purity levels typically cited at 98% or above by HPLC. This ensures high quality for industrial applications.

Supply is sourced primarily from cultivated Artemisia annua crops, with China and East Africa representing the principal production regions. This geographic diversity helps stabilize the global supply chain for manufacturers.