Artemisia annua seeds, leaves and plant extracts have been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine.

It is most commonly used in the treatment of malaria as an anti-parasitic agent. Artemisinin, which is derived from the plant, is now a primary ingredient in malaria drugs sponsored as effective by the WHO.

While the majority of artemisinin content is found in the upper stems and leaves of the plant, there are some active compounds found in the seeds.

Artemisia annua extract is also believed to help the body fight against cancer and exhibits a number of anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Artemisia Annua Usage

Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood, Sweet Annie) is a herb native to Asia, most specifically China. The herb has been used to treat fevers for more than 2,000 years.

Today the plant is grown in countries around the world from South America to Australia and throughout Europe and the United States.

According to Drugs.com, the first recorded use of the herb dates back to a book titled “Prescriptions for Fifty-Two Diseases” or Wu Shi Er Bing Fang. This book was discovered in a tomb in the Hunan Province of China in 1973.

By the 4th century, the Chinese handbook of prescriptions for emergency treatments mentioned the use of the herb for fevers.

How Are Artemisia Annua Seeds Used?

Studies regarding the beneficial portions of the Artemisia annua plant include the seeds, flowers, stems, and leaves. Nearly 40 cadinane and amorphane sesquiterpenes have been identified with the Artemisia annua herb.

It has been determined that artemisinin is the main component in the plant that gives it its efficacy as a medicine. These actions are supported by the effects of sesquiterpene trioxane lactone. Derivatives of artemisinin include alpha-artelinic acid, butyric acids, and semi-synthetic artemisinin trioxanes.

Artemisia Annua seeds are often used in extracts ground into powder for capsules or used to brew tea. However, the majority of the active compounds can be found in the top-most leaves of the plant.

The seeds are generally best used by individuals who want to grow Artemisia Annua at home, but should not be considered the best source of health enhancing compounds within the plant.

Dosages of Artemisia Annua used in tea recipes or in capsule form will depend on the origin and potency of the plant extract. Always follow instructions on labels for the specific product you have purchased. In most cases, the seeds and other components of the Artemisia annua plant are prepared with hot, but not boiling, water, based on traditional Chinese medicine methodologies.

Artemisia Annua Mechanisms of Action

Artemisia annua contains a variety of phytochemical derivatives. The most commonly studied include artemisinin as well as its own semi-synthetic derivatives: artemether, arteether, and artesunate.

The efficacy of these artemisinin derivatives have been recommended for anti-malarial protection, especially for those who have developed resistance to malaria drug therapies.

Other uses for Artemisia annua seeds, teas and capsules are prevalent but not as well researched. This is especially true for its cytotoxic activity which may help by eliminating cancer cells. Artemisia annua components provide what is known as an endoperoxide bridge that are believed to have anti-cancer benefits.

This is facilitated through their formation into free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to molecular cellular structures, hence their ability to damage, and destroy cancer cells. Initial research shows that this herb can promote cell death of cancer cells while leaving health cells untouched, however more research is needed.

Contraindications for Use

Artemisia annua seeds and leaves are not recommended for any women during the first three trimesters of pregnancy due to potential effect on embryos. One of the derivatives of artemisinin (artemether) may pose a risk of toxicity. Also avoid use of this herb or any derivative of Artemisia annua when breast-feeding.

A number of interactions and adverse reactions have been noted with use of Artemisia annua. Check with your doctor to make sure this supplement is safe for you based on your medical history and any drugs or supplements you are currently using.

When taken according to label instructions or as guided by healthcare practitioners, herbalists, or doctors, it is considered to be a safe product. Be aware that the plant may inhibit production of cytochrome enzymes, responsible for the metabolism of many prescriptions medications.

Artemisia annua is believed to lower blood sugar levels; diabetics, and especially those already taking diabetic medications, should not use this product due to a risk of hypoglycemia. In addition, cardiac patients diagnosed with QT interval malfunctions (a type of abnormal heart rhythm) or any heart malfunction should avoid use of Artemisia annua seeds.

Two of its derivatives (artemether and artesenate) may increase the risk of heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, especially those that enhance and prolong QT intervals.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment