Involved in the biosynthesis of the antimalarial endoperoxide artemisinin (PubMed:23575629, PubMed:27488942). Catalyzes the conversion of artemisinic alcohol into artemisinic aldehyde (PubMed:23575629). (+)-artemisinic alcohol + NAD(+) = (+)-artemisinic aldehyde + H(+) + NADH Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. kcat is 41 sec(-1) with artemisinic alcohol as substrate. Sesquiterpene biosynthesis. Homodimer. Present in non-glandular trichome cells. Artemisinin and derivatives (e.g. artesunate), are antimalarial drugs due to their endoperoxidase properties; they also display multiple pharmacological actions against inflammation,viral infections, and cell and tumor proliferation (PubMed:32514287, PubMed:32405226). Artesunate may be a promising treatment for COVID-19 mediated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (2019-nCoV) (SARS-CoV-2) because of its anti-inflammatory activity, NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappa B)-coronavirus effect and chloroquine-like endocytosis inhibition mechanism (PubMed:32514287, PubMed:32405226). Yeast (S.cerevisiae) has been engineered to produce artemisinic-acid, a precursor of the antimalarial artemisinin compound, by expressing AMS1/ADS, CYP71AV1, ADH1 and ALDH1 in conjunction with CYB5 and CPR1. Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family. Class-IV subfamily.