Workflow
下一个青蒿素在哪里
Ren Min Ri Bao·2025-07-31 22:22

Core Insights - The book "Double Drug Record" by Liang Guibai focuses on the historical struggle against malaria, highlighting the development of two key drugs: quinine and artemisinin, and the exchange between Chinese and Western medicine [1][4] - Quinine, derived from the bark of the cinchona tree in South America, and artemisinin, sourced from traditional Chinese medicine, represent significant achievements in the fight against malaria from different cultural backgrounds [1][4] Historical Context - In the 17th century, quinine was first recognized for its medicinal properties when it cured the wife of the Spanish governor in Peru, leading to its inclusion in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1677 [2] - Quinine's active ingredient was isolated by a French chemist in 1820, and it underwent over a century of research before achieving full synthesis [2] - The use of artemisinin dates back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, with its first recorded use in a medical text by Ge Hong, predating quinine's use by approximately 1300 years [2][3] Challenges in Drug Development - The selection of artemisinin faced challenges due to the differences in artemisia plants from northern and southern China, which affected the artemisinin content [3] - The preparation of traditional Chinese medicine is complex, and the extraction process significantly influences the drug's efficacy [3][4] - Tu Youyou's breakthrough in 1971, which involved using low boiling point solvents for extraction, was a pivotal moment in the development of artemisinin [4] Broader Implications - Both quinine and artemisinin have saved millions of lives and have had a profound impact on global health and geopolitics [4] - The narrative of these drugs illustrates the intricate connections between science, medicine, politics, economics, and diplomacy [4] - The author encourages ongoing exploration in drug development, emphasizing the importance of combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern technology to benefit human health [4]