Page 222 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

Semisynthetic artemisinin derivatives :

The relative insolublity of artemisinin ( in both water and oil) and its
poor bioavailability, limit its effectivenes.

Reduction of the lactone carbonyl followed by derivatization of the
resulting secondary hydroxyl group, led to the synthesis of :

i-Artesunate (water-soluble: for oral, rectal, i.m. or
i.v. use).succenic acid derivative