Abstract

Artemisinin and its derivatives, traditionally employed as antimalarial agents, had demonstrated pleiotropic 
biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory properties. Recent 
preclinical investigations suggested potential therapeutic applications beyond parasitic diseases, particularly in 
metabolic disorders. This review critically evaluated the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of artemisinin
based combination therapies in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult populations, examining molecular 
mechanisms, experimental findings, and clinical implications. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, 
and Web of Science databases was conducted for peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2025 
investigating artemisinin compounds and metabolic effects relevant to type 2 diabetes. Preclinical studies 
demonstrated that artemisinin derivatives modulate glucose homeostasis through multiple mechanisms including 
enhancement of pancreatic beta-cell function, improvement of insulin sensitivity via AMPK activation, reduction of 
hepatic gluconeogenesis, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and mitigation of oxidative stress. Animal models 
consistently showed reduced fasting glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and decreased insulin resistance following 
artemisinin administration. Limited human studies suggest potential glycemic benefits, though robust clinical trial 
data remain scarce. Combination approaches with conventional antidiabetic agents show synergistic effects in 
experimental models. However, significant gaps exist regarding optimal dosing, long-term safety, and translation 
of preclinical findings to clinical practice. While preclinical evidence supported potential antidiabetic properties of 
artemisinin-based therapies, current clinical evidence is insufficient to recommend routine use in type 2 diabetes 
management. Rigorous randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to establish efficacy, safety, and therapeutic 
positioning.