Towards a better understanding of Artemisia vulgaris : Botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological and biotechnological potential

Abstract

Artemisia vulgaris is one of the important medicinal plant species of the genus Artemisia, which is usually known for its volatile oils. The genus Artemisia has become the subject of great interest due to its chemical and biological diversity as well as the discovery and isolation of promising anti-malarial drug artemisinin. A. vulgaris has a long history in treatment of human ailments by medicinal plants in various parts of the world. This medicinal plant possesses a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties including: anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-oxidant, anti-tumoral, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, anti-spasmodic and anti-septic. These activities are mainly attributed to the presence of various classes of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, acetylenes, phenolic acids, organic acids, mono- and sesquiterpenes. Studies related to A. vulgaris morphology, anatomy and phytochemistry has gained a significant interest for better understanding of production and accumulation of therapeutic compounds in this species. Recently, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations have corroborated the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds of A. vulgaris. These findings provided further evidence for gaining deeper insight into the identification and isolation of novel compounds, which act as alternative sources of anti-malarial drugs in a cost-effective manner. Considering the rising demand and various medical applications of A. vulgaris, this review highlights the recent reports on the chemistry, biological activities and biotechnological interventions for controlled and continuous production of bioactive compounds from this plant species.

Endophytic Fungi in Species of Artemisia

“…Artemisia is a genus of plants highly valued as a source of metabolites useful in, for example, medicine and biopesticides. Phytochemical analyses showed the main compounds in A. vulgaris to be flavones, flavone glycosides, flavanones, flavonols, flavonol glycosides, and volatile compounds such as α-pinene, camphor, camphene, germacrene D, 1,8-cineole, β-caryophyllene, α-thujone, 1,8-cineole, sabinene, β-thujone, β-caryophyllene oxide, neryl 2-methylbutanoate, β-eudesmol, and bornyl 3-methylbutanoate [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. A review on the chemistry of 15 species of Artemisia resulted in 839 compounds with mainly terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, caffeoylquinic acids, sterols, and acetylens [ 5 ].…”

“…Candial, Spain), proved to have potential in further commercial use with effects such as anti-toxoplasmosis [ 14 ], anti-mosquitoes [ 15 ], nematicidal [ 16 , 17 ], larvicidal against Pieris brassicae [ 18 ] and reduction of the longevity and fecundity of Tetranychus urticae [ 19 ]. Extensive reviews describe (i) the conservation status, phytochemistry and biological activities of the Artemisia genus in the Iberian Peninsula and two Macaronesian archipelagos [ 20 ]; (ii) the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oils in various species of Artemisia [ 6 ] and (iii) the phytochemistry and pharmacological and biotechnological potential of A. vulgaris [ 4 ].…”

Significance of Artemisia Vulgaris L. (Common Mugwort) in the History of Medicine and Its Possible Contemporary Applications Substantiated by Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies

“…The latest review on A. vulgaris presented by Brazilian–Iran and Malaysian teams highlighted the value of this plant species from the South American–Asian point of view [ 21 ].…”

Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Artemisia vulgaris L. Cultivated in Brazil

“…Many Artemisia species grow in Northern Africa, North and Central America, and Eurasia [22]. Artemisia vulgaris Linn., commonly known as mugwort, is a rhizomatous perennial medicinal plant [23] and is widely used to treat to dyspepsia, rheumatic pains, fevers, diarrhea, worm infestations, vomiting, constipation, cramps, colic, hysteria, flatulence, menstrual problems, distention, epilepsy, to promote circulation, and as a sedative [24,25,26,27].…”