Artemisinin-Potentiated IV Vitamin C Sequential Therapy

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What is Artemisinin?

Artemisinin, the active compound found in Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), has been safely used worldwide for decades as a first-line treatment for severe malaria. In cancer research, artesunate is being studied for its ability to:

1. Trigger oxidative stress inside cancer cells: Tumour cells often have higher iron uptake (via transferrin receptor) → Artemisinin or Artemisinin derivatives react with intracellular iron → produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) → induce apoptosis/ferroptosis (cell death mediated by iron).

2. Disrupt cancer cell growth and angiogenesis

3. Make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation ​

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​​For a comprehensive review of the effect of Artemisinin in integrative oncology, please review this document from

The Patterson Institute for Integrative Oncology Research of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.  Also, check out our post on combining vitamin C and Artemisinin. 

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Artemisia annua and artemisinin extracts are available as natural health products. Artemisinin has been known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an antimalarial agent for over 2000 years. Artemisinin is also available as a pharmaceutical, as are the semi-synthetic derivatives, including Artesunate and Dihydroartemisinin.

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Combining Artemisinin with IV Vitamin C

Cancer cells often have higher iron content and altered metabolism. Both Artemisinin and high-dose IV vitamin C leverage these differences to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the cancer cell. Preclinical studies suggest that combining these agents may increase cancer cell susceptibility to oxidative damage and potentially improve outcomes of standard therapy. This concept is sometimes described as “redox-based” cancer therapy – leveraging cancer cells’ altered metabolism and higher iron content to trigger cell death.

At Leicester Ozone Clinic, we offer Artemisinin infusions as part of supportive therapy to help boost patients' well-being during cancer therapy. However, we make no claims. Our protocol involves administering an Artemisinin extract intravenously immediately before i.v. vitamin C to potentiate the action of vitamin C by compromising cancer cells. ​

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Ingredients

High-purity Artemisinin extract.

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Administration protocol

2.4 mg/kg fast iv infusion/injection (range 1-4 mg/kg) immediately prior to administering high-dose vitamin C. Depending on how many times patients attend for i.v vitamin c, administering it 1-2 times/week.

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prices ​

1. If taken on its own (not generally recommended), the cost is £500/infusion.

2. To enhance the effect of intravenous vitamin C, the cost is reduced depending on the dose of vitamin C received in the same session. We can discuss individualised pricing with you during your vitamin C therapy.

3. Before receiving the first dose, we require recent blood tests, including a full blood count, kidney and liver function tests, and a specific G6PD test, as part of our safety protocol. You can arrange these tests yourself or have us do it for an extra fee. The G6PD test can be done at our clinic using advanced near-patient testing equipment, with results available in 5-10 minutes. This service is for your convenience, but you are free to have your tests done elsewhere. The in-house G6PD test costs £100. The G6PD test is only done once. The Full Blood Count, Liver, and Kidney tests can be arranged through us for £125, but results will not be instant. In most cases, we can administer the first dose if the clinician deems it safe, provided there are no signs of severe renal or liver disease, although this is based on clinical judgment.  

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Bookings

- In the context of oncology supportive care, please book a consultation first (Unless you are already receiving high-dose vitamin C from us).  This is to ensure you have a personalised treatment plan based on your diagnosis and current therapies. 

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