From traditional remedies to modern medicines

By Kit Chapman2023-05-15T08:30:00

A handwritten page from an old Chinese medicine book, a leaf of Artemesia plant, a molecule of Artesunate and Artesunate tablet packaging

Discover how chemists are developing breakthrough drugs from natural remedies

In a book from AD 340, chemist Tu Youyou found a story about an old folk remedy containing the plant Artemisia annua being used for ‘intermittent fevers’, one of the symptoms of malaria. This led to the discovery of artemisinin, a leading antimalarial compound, for which she won a Nobel prize. Read the article to discover how chemists have used the medicinal properties of plants – and the folklore that goes with them – in the fight against illness and diseases that kill millions every year. Download a post-16 research and presentation activity on aspirin for your students, with teacher notes and extra information on alternative analgesics.

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