Use of Radiolytically Derived Oligomers for Artemisinin ProductionPaperback, 27 May 2011

Malaria is thought to be among the oldest of human diseases. It has long had serious effects on morbidity and mortality, and in turn on the economic and social fabric of nations and society. Various methods have long been utilized to mitigate its frequency and effects in both temperate and tropical climates. Presently the most effective treatment of malaria is based on derivatives of artemisinin, an extract from the plant Artemisia annua. Only artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) meets international standards set-up by WHO and UNICEF for the cure of malaria. The present demand for artemisinin is far more than that of supply, therefore, researchers are working round the world towards improving artemisinin content in the plant by various means. This work explains the potential use of radiolytically derived oligomers of sodium alginate together with soil-applied phosphorus induce the productivity and artemisinin (antimalarial drug) synthesis in Artemisia annua plants.