Abstract: Artesunate is one of the derivatives of Qinghaosu (Artemisin),a compound prepared from the medicinal herb Qinghao Cartemisia annua L). It has been noticed that artesunate posesses an lmmunosuppressive activity.In this paper, we studied the action of artesunate ort different phases (sensitization,challenge,and 12h after challenge) of allergic contact dermatitis. It showed that artesunate had prominent suppressive effect when it was used prior to sensitization and 12h after challenge.

Key words: Artesunate, Dermatitis, contact, Interleukin 1