A Pharmacognostic Review on Artemisia Absinthium

Abstract

Artemisia, being the widely distributed genus of the plant family Asteraceae encompasses about 500 species. Among them, Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) is a well-known herb commonly known as Wormwood and Afsanteen. A. absinthium reported to possess several therapeutic benefits in fever, inflammation, epilepsy, gastric problems and urinary disorders. Review of literature included PubMed, Science Direct searches with 'A. absinthium' and 'Wormwood' as initial key words. The search was further refined by looking for terms such as 'Constituents' (or composition) and 'Activity' (or effect) within the results. The major bioactive constituents of Wormwood are mono and sesquiterpenes. The present review comprises up to date information of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of A. absinthium. The A. absinthium is a rich source of chemically novel compounds and needs elaborate screening strategies to dwell into the pharmacological effects of its phytoconstituents at the molecular level. This review article provides preliminary information and gives a direction for the basic and clinical research on A. absinthium.

Artemisia absinthium L.—Importance in the History of Medicine, the Latest Advances in Phytochemistry and Therapeutical, Cosmetological and Culinary Uses

“…It comes from the German word “wermet” meaning “keeping a clear mind” [ 7 ]. Some other English and foreign names are: absinth, absinth wormwood, absinthe, absinthium, Maderwood (English, USA), Absinth, Bitterer Beifuss, Wermkraut, Wermut, Wermutkraut, Wurmkraut (German), absinthe, grande absinthe, Herbe d’absinthe (French), Majri, Mastiyarah (Hindi), Yang ai, zhong ya ku hao (Chinese) [ 1 , 2 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. A. absinthium is a shrub-like perennial plant growing to a height of 80 cm.…”

“…A. absinthium is a shrub-like perennial plant growing to a height of 80 cm. In some habitats, it even reaches a height of up to 1.5 m. The whole plant is strongly pubescent and has an intense, sharp smell [ 1 , 7 , 12 ]. A. absinthium leaves have essential oil secreting hairs/glandular trichomes and covering T-hairs that have a protective function—they protect the plant against high temperatures and prolonged drought [ 7 , 13 ].…”

“…The stem is grey-green, strongly pubescent and ribbed—it usually has 5 flattened, longitudinal furrows [ 1 , 7 , 12 ]. The part of the stem with flowers reaches a diameter of no more than 2.5 mm [ 12 ].…”

“…The leaves also take on a grey-green color and are densely pubescent on both sides [ 1 , 7 ]. Their shape depends on where they are situated on the plant.…”

“…Recent years have seen publication of review articles on this species. However, they present the existing, broad knowledge on its therapeutic values in a very general way [ 1 , 2 ].…”