Artemisia is a botanical known to support many aspects of human health. Although there are more than 500 species in the Artemisia genus, artemisia commonly refers to the species in the Artemisia genus that are known to support human health. Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium), A. vulgaris, and A. annua have all been used in traditional medicine. Artemisia species are found on six continents in a variety of climates. 

The species A. annua has been used traditionally for its role in support of the body’s response to fever and malaria. It has also been shown in studies to support the body’s response to certain harmful pathogens. It may also support the body’s response to oxidative stress and inflammation.

A. annua contains many bioactive constituents including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, such as armetisin. Artemisinin is a phytochemical that has been shown in research to exhibit activity against certain parasites, viruses, and cellular abnormalities.

An animal study by Yan and colleagues assessed the efficacy of supplementation with an artemisinin analogue in murine populations with induced ulcerative colitis (UC), a subset of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, mice with UC were orally given SM934 (an artemisinin analogue) for 10 days. The authors indicate that the mice treated with SM934 experienced improvement in inflammation scores and colon integrity. There were also observed changes in levels of macrophages, neutrophils, and inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Changes in the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B were also observed.

A recently published laboratory study by Qiao and colleagues assessed the biochemical pathways of artemisinin in the presence of inflammation. Artemisinin was shown to interact with a transmembrane protein called toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). The TLR4 is an important player in both innate and adaptive immune responses, and it is expressed on microglia cells. Abnormal TLR4 signaling has been associated with many illnesses, including inflammatory bowel diseases. Study results indicate that TLR4 signaling was reduced in the presence of artemisinin. The artemisinin was also shown to modulate levels of nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-1-β.

Clinical trials have also explored the potential anthelmintic activities of A. annua. One study explored the efficacy of a tea infusion with A. annua in the presence of schistosomiasis, a pathology due to an infection with parasitic worms. After 14 days of treatment, schistosome eggs were undetectable in samples from study participants.

Although more clinical research needs to be conducted to draw further conclusions, current research indicates that artemisia may play a role in the support of gastrointestinal function. Artemisia may also support the body’s response to oxidative stress and inflammation.

By Colleen Ambrose, ND, MAT