Artemisinin protected human bronchial epithelial cells from amiodarone-induced oxidative damage via 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation

Background Amiodarone, a common antiarrhythmic drug, is known for its severe side effects, including pulmonary toxicity, which involves oxidative stress and apoptosis. Artemisinin, an antimalarial drug, has shown cytoprotective properties by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study investigated the protective effects of artemisinin against amiodarone-induced toxicity in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and mouse models.