Donate
Donate
icon
icon
Find help
Top questions Click or tap to explore common questions to get started ›
Request a volunteer guide Find someone to help you navigate this site ›
Find cancer-specific handbooks
Integrative Cancer Care Handbooks ›
Sign up for email updates
Sign up for e-news updates ›
Top questions

Artemisia Annua and Artemisinin for Cancer: Safety & Side Effects

This page covers safety information for Artemisia Annua and Artemisinin. See our complete Artemisia Annua and Artemisinin therapy guide →

AUTHORS

Nancy Hepp, MS

past Lead Researcher
View profile

Ms. Hepp is a researcher and communicator who has been writing and editing educational content on varied health topics for more than 20 years. She serves as lead researcher and writer for CancerChoices and also served as the first program manager. Her graduate work in research and cognitive psychology, her master’s degree in instructional design, and her certificate in web design have all guided her in writing and presenting information for a wide variety of audiences and uses. Nancy’s service as faculty development coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine at Wright State University also provided experience in medical research, plus insights into medical education and medical care from the professional’s perspective.

Nancy Hepp, MS past Lead Researcher

Laura Pole, MSN, RN, OCNS

Senior Clinical Consultant
View profile

Laura Pole is senior clinical consultant for CancerChoices. Laura is an oncology clinical nurse specialist who has been providing integrative oncology clinical care, navigation, consultation, and education services for over 40 years. She is the co-creator and co-coordinator of the Integrative Oncology Navigation Training at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC. Laura also manages the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv for Smith Center/Commonweal. In her role as a palliative care educator and consultant, Laura has served as statewide Respecting Choices Faculty for the Virginia POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) Collaborative as well as provided statewide professional education on palliative and end-of-life care for the Virginia Association for Hospices and Palliative Care.

For CancerChoices, Laura curates content and research, networks with clinical and organizational partners, brings awareness and education of integrative oncology at professional and patient conferences and programs, and translates research into information relevant to the patient experience as well as clinical practice.

Laura sees her work with CancerChoices as a perfect alignment of all her passions, knowledge and skills in integrative oncology care. She is honored to serve you.

Laura Pole, MSN, RN, OCNS Senior Clinical Consultant

Last update: March 12, 2026

Side effects and adverse reactions

Liver toxicity has been reported among people using Arthrem, an Artemisia annua extract;1New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. Arthrem – potential risk of harm to the liver – statement under section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981. August 29, 2023. Viewed March 12, 2026. routine monitoring of liver function is advised during use.

Vomiting is the most common side effect reported among people treated with Artemisia annua tea for malaria.2Willcox ML, Burton S et al. Evaluation and pharmacovigilance of projects promoting cultivation and local use of Artemisia annua for malaria. Malaria Journal. 2011 Apr 11;10:84. 

Contraindications

Use during pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus.3Alschuler LN, Gazella KA. The Definitive Guide to Cancer, 3rd Edition: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Healing. Berkeley, California: Celestial Arts. 2010. p. 162. Of about 3,000 cases of presumed malaria treated with A. annua teas, including 54 women in the first trimester of pregnancy, 2 miscarriages were reported.4Willcox ML, Burton S et al. Evaluation and pharmacovigilance of projects promoting cultivation and local use of Artemisia annua for malaria. Malaria Journal. 2011 Apr 11;10:84.

Drug interactions 

There are known drug interactions with this therapy. Interactions with medications and other interventions are complex. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new therapy to your regimen. To learn more about interactions visit one of the trusted resources below: 

← Back to the full Artemisia Annua and Artemisinin therapy guide

References[+]