Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of artesunate-β-cyclodextrin conjugates as novel anti-cancer prodrugs.

•Four artesunate-β-cyclodextrin conjugates were prepared and confirmed.•XRD and TG spectrometry characterized these conjugates.•The aqueous solubility of the conjugates was much higher than that of artesunate.•The anti-colon cancer activities of ATS-2NβCD were better than those of artesunate.•The mechanism of conjugates to release free drug into the cancer cells was explored.