Pharmacological effects of mugwort

Modern research indicates that Artemisia, also known as mugwort or wormwood, primarily exhibits pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, antiviral, anti-asthmatic, hemostatic, antiallergic, immune-enhancing, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, sedative, antiarrhythmic, and hypotensive properties.

1. Antimicrobial Action:
   Artemisia, in the form of water extracts, essential oil, and smoke, demonstrates antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. It inhibits the growth of various bacteria, including Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and others. Artemisia extracts also show inhibitory effects against common pathogenic skin fungi.
2. Anti-asthmatic, Antitussive, and Expectorant Effects:
   The essential oil of Artemisia has antitussive and bronchodilatory effects, attributed to constituents such as terpineol, 4-terpineol, cis-ocimene, and eugenol. These components directly act on the trachea, alleviating asthma, relieving cough, and facilitating expectoration. Artemisia offers protection against drug-induced asthma and extends the latent period of acetylcholine and histamine-induced wheezing.
3. Antiallergic Effect:
   Artemisia oil exhibits antihistamine-like effects, particularly due to terpineol and artemisia alcohol. It rapidly reduces the number of eosinophil cells associated with immediate hypersensitivity reactions, providing rapid relief from redness, swelling, and itching. It also alleviates asthma symptoms caused by bronchial smooth muscle spasms and suppresses hives and bleeding caused by capillary dilation and increased permeability.
4. Immune Enhancement:
   Artemisia has immune-enhancing properties. Moxibustion with Artemisia enhances the phagocytic function of mononuclear macrophages in mice, improving overall immune function. Artemisia essential oil increases the immune organ index of the thymus and spleen, promotes spleen lymphocyte proliferation, and enhances the immune response.
5. Hemostatic and Anticoagulant Effects:
   Artemisia has dual effects on blood, promoting coagulation and exhibiting anticoagulant properties. Modern pharmacological studies confirm that Artemisia reduces capillary permeability, inhibits fibrinolysis, thereby exerting hemostatic effects. Artemisia charcoal demonstrates stronger hemostatic effects. Research also verifies the anticoagulant effects of Artemisia, significantly inhibiting clotting time and thrombin time, and promoting fibrinolysis.
6. Hepatoprotective and Cholagogue Effects:
   Artemisia extract effectively combats liver fibrosis in rats, and Artemisia oil significantly increases bile flow in normal mice and rats. Artemisia injection therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis promotes liver function recovery, reduces transaminase levels, increases appetite, and improves subjective symptoms.
7. Digestive Promotion:
   Oral administration of Artemisia stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting digestion and enhancing appetite. Folk remedies often employ oral Artemisia for individuals with indigestion. However, high doses may lead to acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in nausea and vomiting.
8. Other Effects:
   Additionally, Artemisia exhibits antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antioxidant, hypotensive, uterine excitatory, and anticancer effects.