Artemisia abrotanum

Artemisia abrotanum

Artemisia abrotanum, commonly known as Southernwood or Old-world Tarragon, is a traditional plant primarily associated with European and Mediterranean herbal medicine. While it has been used historically for various purposes such as culinary seasoning and insect repellent, no specific traditional uses have been recorded in the context of medicinal practices. Scientific evidence suggests that Artemisia abrotanum exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity and moderate potential for cancer chemoprevention based on studies conducted on its essential oil. Additionally, the plant contains chrysosplenetin, a major flavone whose structure has been confirmed by NMR and MS analysis. The elemental composition of the plant varies between pre-blooming and blooming periods, with differing levels of elements present in each stage. In vitro, Artemisia abrotanum ethanol extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity and showed some anti-inflammatory effects in vivo; however, these findings were not strongly conclusive. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Artemisia abrotanum to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study found that the essential oil from Artemisia abrotanum showed strong anti-inflammatory activity and moderate potential for cancer chemoprevention. D PMID
  • The study found that the major flavone in Artemisia abrotanum is chrysosplenetin (1), with structural revisions confirmed by NMR and MS analysis. D PMID
  • The elemental composition of Artemisia abrotanum varied between pre-blooming and blooming periods, with different elements being more abundant in each period. D PMID
  • The study found that Artemisia abrotanum ethanol extract had moderate in vitro antioxidant activity and showed in vivo anti-inflammatory effects, though the results were not strongly conclusive. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Artemisia abrotanum?

Artemisia abrotanum (Artemisia abrotanum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Artemisia abrotanum?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Artemisia abrotanum; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that the essential oil from Artemisia abrotanum showed strong anti-inflammatory activity and moderate potential for cancer chemoprevention.

How strong is the evidence for Artemisia abrotanum?

The strongest finding for Artemisia abrotanum carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Artemisia abrotanum safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Artemisia abrotanum in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Artemisia abrotanum interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Artemisia abrotanum in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Artemisia abrotanum?

Artemisia abrotanum is also known as: Полынь лечебная, Aurone.

Is Artemisia abrotanum a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Highly oxidized flavones in Artemisia species - structure revisions and improved UHPLC-MSn analysis. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Phytochemical Composition Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Artemisia dracunculus and Artemisia abrotanum. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 An analytical approach for determining macro- and micro- elements in two different growing periods of Artemisia abrotanum L. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive potential of essential oils from some cultivated plants in Egypt. literature abstract metadata