Dihydroartemisinin (“DHA”) derivatives that contain a stereospecific C-10
ether linkage and an
aryl pharmacophore moiety are disclosed. In some forms, the DHA derivatives possess anticancer properties that are comparable to or better than the parent DHA and / or an existing
anticancer drug (e.g.,
Cisplatin), and are useful in anticancer treatments (such as
ovarian cancer and colon
cancer). Methods of synthesizing the DHA derivatives that are cost effective are disclosed. Methods of using the DHA derivatives for treating a
cancer, such as
ovarian cancer and / or colon
cancer, in a subject in need thereof are also disclosed.