Research
Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood)
32 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
A Systematic Review of Alternative Artemisinin Production Strategies.
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on alternative production platforms for artemisinin (ART), identifying four frontiers: enhancement in ART content, in vitro platforms, heterologous expression in non-plants, and scalable semi-synthetic routes. The review also highlights the role of AI-driven predictive modeling in source discovery and process optimization.
Evaluation of the effects of Artemisia Annua L. and Moringa Oleifera Lam. on CD4 count and viral load among PLWH on ART at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Double-blind RCT of 282 HIV-positive participants on ART with CD4 count ≤ 350 cells/µl, testing Artemisia annua and Moringa oleifera. A. annua + M. oleifera significantly increased CD4 count, reduced viral load, and increased platelet and white blood cell counts compared to standard care alone, with no significant difference in ARV plasma levels.
Comparative safety analysis of coseasonal versus preseasonal Artemisia annua sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis.
This study compares the safety and tolerability of initiating Artemisia annua sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) during the pollen season versus before the season in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Ninety patients were randomized into coseasonal and preseasonal initiation groups. The analysis included 72 patients, with no significant differences in adverse events between the groups. The study concludes that both initiation timings have comparable safety and tolerability.
Evaluating the safety and efficacy of wormwood vaginal cream on sexual satisfaction and quality of sexual life of postmenopausal women: a randomized, triple-blinds, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of wormwood vaginal cream on sexual satisfaction and quality of sexual life in 112 postmenopausal women. The wormwood cream group showed significant improvements in sexual satisfaction and quality of sexual life compared to the placebo group after 4 weeks of use.
Coseasonal initiation of Artemisia annua sublingual immunotherapy in children and adult patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
RCT investigating the efficacy and safety of coseasonal initiation of Artemisia annua sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in 50 patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The SLIT group showed significant reductions in symptom and medication scores compared to baseline and the control group after 1 year, with no severe adverse events observed.
Clinical efficacy in one-year treatment with Artemisia annua-SLIT drops in monosensitized and polysensitized individuals.
This open-label, randomized, controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a one-year course of Artemisia annua-sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in 150 patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SARC) induced by Artemisia. The SLIT group showed significant improvements in clinical indicators such as total rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score and total medication score compared to the control group. The treatment was effective and safe for both monosensitized and polysensitized patients.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Artesimia annua-Sublingual Immunotherapy in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Patients Based on Different Intervention Time.
RCT of 88 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis comparing sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with Artemisia annua extracts to control. SLIT significantly improved symptom and medication scores compared to control, with no severe adverse events reported. Efficacy was similar regardless of treatment duration or sensitization status.
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of wormwood vaginal gel in improving sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women of reproductive age: A randomized, triple-blinds, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of wormwood vaginal gel in improving sexual function and satisfaction in 76 women of reproductive age with sexual dysfunction. The wormwood gel group showed significant improvements in sexual function and satisfaction compared to the placebo group.
Effect of ArtemiC in patients with COVID-19: A Phase II prospective study.
Phase II placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multi-centred study evaluating ArtemiC in 50 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. ArtemiC improved NEWS2 in 91% of patients and shortened durations of abnormal SpO2 levels, oxygen supplementation, and fever, suggesting it may curb deterioration by limiting cytokine storm.
Effects ofsupplementation on anorexia in hemodialysis patients: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
RCT of 58 hemodialysis patients aged 55-65 comparing 250 mg/day Artemisia supplement to placebo for six weeks. Artemisia supplementation significantly improved anorexia scores, but did not significantly affect albumin, hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, arm circumference, or BMI.
Artemisia annua-sublingual immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial investigated the efficacy of Artemisia annua-sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in 71 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. The study found that A. annua-SLIT significantly reduced total nasal symptom scores compared to placebo and improved immune cell profiles, indicating its efficacy and safety as a treatment.
Placebos can change affective contexts: An event-related potential study.
RCT with 68 women examining the effect of a placebo on the context of a bitter aftertaste induced by wormwood tea. The placebo group reported reduced bitterness and disgust, and the LPP reduction associated with the bitter aftertaste was attenuated due to the placebo treatment.
Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions vs. artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) in treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a large scale, double blind, randomized clinical trial.
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo compared Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions to artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) in treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The trial involved 957 patients, with results showing that Artemisia treatments had better outcomes in terms of parasitemia clearance and fewer adverse effects compared to ASAQ. Artemisia treatments also appeared to eliminate gametocytes, potentially breaking the malaria cycle.
Effect of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions on schistosomiasis in a large clinical trial.
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial compared the effects of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions to praziquantel in 800 patients with schistosomiasis. Artemisia-treated patients showed no detectable eggs in fecal smears within 14 days, a result sustained 28 days post-treatment. Both Artemisia species provided faster effective treatment of schistosomiasis compared to praziquantel.
The efficacy of herbal medicines against Toxoplasma gondii during the last 3 decades: a systematic review.
Systematic review of 49 papers evaluating the efficacy of medicinal herbs against Toxoplasma gondii from 1988 to 2015. Most studies focused on Artemisia annua and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts, using both in vitro and in vivo models. The review suggests potential for these herbs as therapeutic agents for toxoplasmosis.
Effect of Artemisia annua extract on treating active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.
RCT investigating the effect and safety of Artemisia annua extract (EAA) in treating active rheumatoid arthritis. The EAA group showed significant improvements in pain scores, joint tenderness, and quality of life measures compared to the control group, with higher overall efficacy and lower adverse effects.
Artemisinin antimalarials moderately affect cytochrome P450 enzyme activity in healthy subjects.
RCT investigating the effect of artemisinin and its derivatives on cytochrome P450 enzyme activity in 75 healthy adults. The study found that artemisinin antimalarials affect the activities of several CYP450 enzymes, suggesting a class effect that should be considered in the development of new derivatives and combination treatments for malaria.
Randomized controlled trial of a traditional preparation of Artemisia annua L. (Annual Wormwood) in the treatment of malaria.
Open, randomized, controlled pilot trial investigating the efficacy and safety of traditional tea preparations of Artemisia annua in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Treatment resulted in quick resolution of parasitaemia and clinical symptoms, with cure rates averaging 74% compared to 91% for quinine. High recrudescence rates were observed in the Artemisia groups.
Disgust evoked by strong wormwood bitterness influences the processing of visual food cues in women: An ERP study.
Cross-modal ERP study with 39 healthy women investigating the effect of wormwood tea's bitter aftertaste on the processing of visual food cues. The bitter aftertaste enhanced early potentials and reduced P300 amplitudes, indicating changes in neuronal processing and affective value of food images.
An open-label six-month extension study to investigate the safety and efficacy of an extract of Artemisia annua for managing pain, stiffness and functional limitation associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.
An open-label six-month extension study at the University of Otago assessed the safety and efficacy of Artemisia annua extract (Arthrem) for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Thirty-four patients entered the extension, with 28 completing six months. ART was well tolerated and maintained improvements in WOMAC efficacy parameters over six months.
A pilot randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of an extract of Artemisia annua administered over 12 weeks, for managing pain, stiffness, and functional limitation associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.
Pilot RCT investigating the efficacy and safety of Artemisia annua extract (Arthrem) in managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Forty-two patients were randomized to receive either 150-mg or 300-mg Artemisia annua extract or placebo for 12 weeks. The low-dose group showed significant improvements in WOMAC scores and VAS pain scores, indicating potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) suppresses tumour necrosis factor alpha and accelerates healing in patients with Crohn's disease - A controlled clinical trial.
Controlled clinical trial of 20 Crohn's Disease patients, with 10 receiving 3x750mg dried powdered wormwood for 6 weeks. Wormwood group showed significant reduction in TNF-alpha levels and CDAI scores, with remission of symptoms in eight patients. Wormwood also improved mood as reflected in Hamilton's Depression Scale.
Herba Artemisiae annuae tea preparation compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in adults: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.
Randomized double-blind clinical trial comparing tea preparations from Artemisia annua with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in semi-immune adults. Cure rates were similar between the two treatments at day 7, but both decreased by day 14 and day 28.
Steroid-sparing effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in Crohn's disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Double-blind placebo-controlled study of 40 Crohn's disease patients receiving wormwood or placebo for 10 weeks. Wormwood group showed steady improvement in Crohn's symptoms and mood, with 65% achieving remission by week 8, which persisted through week 20 without steroids. Placebo group deteriorated after steroid tapering, requiring steroid reintroduction in 80% of patients.
Pharmacokinetic study of artemisinin after oral intake of a traditional preparation of Artemisia annua L. (annual wormwood).
Pharmacokinetic study of artemisinin absorption in 14 healthy male volunteers after oral intake of tea prepared from Artemisia annua leaves. Artemisinin was absorbed faster from herbal tea preparations than from oral solid dosage forms, but bioavailability was similar. Plasma concentrations were sufficient for clinical effects but not equivalent to modern artemisinin drugs for malaria therapy.
Pharmacokinetics of artemisinin and artesunate after oral administration in healthy volunteers.
Pharmacokinetic study of new oral forms of artemisinin and its derivative artesunate in healthy volunteers. The study measured pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax, tmax, and AUC for both compounds, finding them well-tolerated with no undesirable side effects.
A double-blind, randomized study investigating the efficacy and specificity of immunotherapy with Artemisia vulgaris or Phleum pratense/betula verrucosa.
This double-blind, randomized study investigated the efficacy and specificity of immunotherapy with Artemisia vulgaris extract in 25 patients with seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis. Treatment with Artemisia resulted in a significant decrease in skin and eye sensitivity to Artemisia, but not to Betula or Phleum. No significant decrease was observed in medicine consumption or symptom scores.
Dried leaf Artemisia annua efficacy against non-small cell lung cancer.
The study investigates the efficacy of dried leaf Artemisia annua (DLA) against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using cell lines and xenograft murine models. DLA and its extracts (DLAe) showed cytotoxicity against NSCLC cells and inhibited tumor growth in murine models, with DLA showing greater efficacy than artesunate (AS) in some cases.
Long-term add-on therapy (compassionate use) with oral artesunate in patients with metastatic breast cancer after participating in a phase I study (ARTIC M33/2).
The study involved long-term add-on therapy with oral artesunate in patients with metastatic breast cancer who previously participated in a phase I trial. Thirteen patients continued the therapy, resulting in a total of 3825 treatment days. No major safety concerns were reported, although 25 adverse events grade ≥2 were documented, with six classified as grade 3.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) for poorly responsive early-stage IgA nephropathy: a pilot uncontrolled trial.
Pilot uncontrolled trial of 10 patients with IgA nephropathy receiving 1.8 g/d of thujone-free wormwood for 6 months. Significant decrease in urine protein-creatinine ratio and moderate decrease in mean arterial blood pressure were observed, with stable kidney function.
The activity of Artemisia spp. and their constituents against Trypanosomiasis.
Narrative review of literature on Artemisia species and their phytochemicals, including artemisinin, regarding their activity against trypanosomes. Various Artemisia species and their constituents showed inhibitory activity towards different Trypanosoma species.
The Molecular Mechanism of Action of Artemisinin—The Debate Continues
This narrative review discusses the molecular mechanism of action of artemisinin, focusing on its role in malaria treatment and its potential anticancer properties. The paper highlights the challenges of drug resistance and the ongoing debate about the precise mechanism of action of artemisinin.