LC-MS/TOF Characterization and Stability Study of Artesunate in Different Solvent Systems

Artemisinin (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone and popular malaria drug used in many parts of the world. Artesunate (ARTS) semi-synthetic derivative ART with improved pharmacokinetic properties. However, half-life ARTS less than an hour vivo. The analysis this vitro different solvent systems using LC-MS/TOF showed solvent-driven breakdown. breakdown formed several derivatives, including dihydroartemisinin (DHA), artemether (ARTM) DHA-dimer among others, at rates composition systems. change temperature from room to physiological (37 °C) was found enhance rate In methanol, mainly ARTM chromatographic peak decrease about 3.13%, while methanol water (90:10) v/v gave rise DHA 80% decrease. On other hand, ammonium acetate (85:15) DHA, ARTM, reaction peaks 97% formation orange solution pointing molecular re-arrangement reaction. These results have important bearing on research artemisinin drugs conducted these common solvents.