Artesunate enhances radiosensitivity of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells via increasing NO production to induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase

► Artemisinin and its derivatives were screened for their radiosensitization on A549 cells. ► Artesunate exhibited radiosensitivity against A549 cells in vitro and in vivo. ► Artesunate increase NO production of irradiated cells. ► Artesunate did not induce apoptosis but induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase.