Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Artemisia annua L.
- Artemisia chamomilla C.Winkl.
Common Names
- Sweet Wormwood
- Sweet Annie
- Sweet Sagewort
- Annual Mugwort
- Annual Wormwood
- Qing Hao
Parts Usually Used
The leaves, stems, and aerial parts of the plant are used. The artemisinin content is highest in the leaves during the flowering stage.
Back to Top
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Artemisia annua is an annual short-day plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It grows 30-100cm tall naturally, though cultivated plants can reach 200cm. The stem is erect and brownish or violet-brown. The leaves are 3-5cm long and divided into two or three small leaflets. The plant has small greenish-yellow flowers 2-2.5mm in diameter arranged in loose panicles. The seeds are brown achenes 0.6-0.8mm in diameter.
Back to Top
Where Found
Native to temperate Asia but naturalized in many countries including scattered parts of North America. It is grown in Asia, India, Central and Eastern Europe, temperate regions of America, Africa, and Australia.
Back to Top
Medicinal Properties
Artemisia annua has demonstrated antimalarial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-diabetic, and antiparasitic properties. It shows particular promise against COVID-19 in recent studies.
Back to Top
Biochemical Information
The plant contains over 600 secondary metabolites including artemisinin, flavonoids, coumarins, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenolic compounds, and essential oils. Key compounds include artemisinin, artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether, scopolin, and scopoletin.
Back to Top
Uses
Primary uses include:
- Treatment of malaria and fever
- Antiviral therapy including potential COVID-19 treatment
- Anti-inflammatory applications
- Cancer treatment support
- Immune system modulation
- Treatment of parasitic infections
- Traditional Chinese medicine preparations
Formulas or Dosages
Traditional Chinese medicine recommends 4.5-9g of dried herb prepared as an infusion daily. For malaria treatment, artemisinin-based combination therapies are recommended by WHO.
Back to Top
Warning
Side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Hearing problems
- Not recommended for those with ulcers or stomach disorders
- Should be used cautiously during pregnancy due to potential embryotoxicity at high doses
- May interact with certain medications
Resource Links
Herbal Medicine Shows Promise in Liver Cancer Treatment Analysis
African Medicinal Plants Advancing Cancer Treatment and Management Strategies
Discover Plant-Based Solutions for Combating Malaria Naturally
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Artemisia annua Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
National Library of Medicine – Artemisia annua, a Traditional Plant Brought to Light
ScienceDirect – Artemisia annua
