Medicinal Plant Mugwort
Artemisia Annua — A much underestimated medicinal plant
It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in Eastern Europe and is being researched for its effects against malaria and cancer — the annual mugwort (scientifically Artemisia annua). We show you what this special medicinal plant is all about and what role it plays in European and traditional Chinese medicine.
Artemisia annua — a brief overview
The annual mugwort is a herbaceous plant from the composite family. The name itself indicates that the plant is an annual. In addition to the completely bare stems, small, yellow flowers in the form of baskets form on panicles. Depending on the region, the annual mugwort reaches a height of between half a meter and one and a half meters. The leaves of the medicinal plant are harvested, usually before the flowering period.
The plant is primarily native to warm summer regions with a high proportion of rainfall. This applies to large parts of China and northern India. In Europe, the annual mugwort grows mainly in Romania and Bulgaria. Occurrences in Austria, South Tyrol or along the German Elbe are possible, but very unstable.
The most important ingredients of annual mugwort
The leading ingredient in annual mugwort is artemisinin. This has been intensively researched over the last few decades, with positive findings in areas such as malaria and cancer treatment. A total of several hundred ingredients can be found in the plant, the most important of which include artemisinin:
- flavonoids
- menthol
- coumarin
- thymol
- beta-sitosterol
- various essential oils
Many of these additional ingredients are scientifically well researched and are associated with many different effects on the human body. Flavonoids, for example, are valued for their anti-oxidative effect, while menthol and essential oils with their pleasant fragrance are said to have relaxing properties. The effect of artemisinin is described in more detail below.
Differences to “simple” mugwort
Annual mugwort should not be confused with the common mugwort that grows in this country and is known as a kitchen spice. Traditional roast goose in the fall is rarely served without this spice. In fact, the native Artemisia vulgaris is also said to have soothing effects, especially when it comes to digestion and bloating. However, this species should not be confused with the annual mugwort, which has significantly greater medicinal benefits due to its artemisinin.
Use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) — Nobel Prize in Medicine
Artemisia annua is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for many centuries to provide relief. Its effect against malaria has been scientifically proven and the plant has been recognized by the WHO as a cure for this disease since 2002. A groundbreaking study on the successful treatment of malaria with the active ingredient artemisinin was published in the 1970s by the Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. Her discovery was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015.
The effect of artemisinin in a malaria-infected body is unique. Artemisinin is administered together with the derivative artemether. If the active ingredients enter the bloodstream, they break down into various free radicals due to the high blood iron content in this disease. These attack the malaria cells and kill them.
As is often the case with individual active substances, the human organism develops resistance over decades, so that the desired healing effect no longer occurs. Currently, scientists are not concentrating on artemisinin and are using other ingredients of annual mugwort to combat malaria. Here too, various studies indicate initial positive results.
Use in European medicine
As malaria does not actually occur in Europe, the scientific focus on our continent is in a different area. Over the last few years, researchers here have investigated the effects of artemisinin and other ingredients on cancer. In fact, there are a growing number of studies suggesting positive effects of artemisinin and its derivatives in cancer therapy.
The active principle here is similar to that used to combat malaria. Here too, the harmful cancer cells are eaten up by free radicals, which are dependent on reactive iron to develop. No scientist has yet been able to come to fully-fledged medical conclusions, but support for conventional cancer therapy appears to make sense. The advantage here is that the medicinal plant rarely causes side effects in studies.
Artemisia annua in laboratory tests against COVID
Annual mugwort is being investigated by the Max Planck Institute in Potsdam for its antiviral effect against Covid-19.
Prof. Peter H. Seeberger, Director at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, says: “Given the similarities between Covid-19 and Sars-CoV-2, plant extracts and artemisinin derivatives must be tested against the new coronavirus.”
A new clinical trial is to show whether extracts of the plant can make the course of coronavirus disease milder. The study is to begin in Mexico in the fall of 2020 under the direction of Prof. Seeberger.
How is annual mugwort administered?
Two forms of taking annual mugwort are established. Firstly, the dried leaves of the plant can be brewed into a tea. The crushed tea leaves are also freely available in this country. For one cup, a dosage of one to two teaspoons and a brewing time of ten minutes with boiled water is recommended. One or two cups a day should be consumed over a maximum period of four to six weeks. Otherwise there is a risk of the above-mentioned habituation effect of the body, which impairs the positive effect of artemisinin and its derivatives.
On the other hand, one or more active ingredients can be taken as a tincture. This is also available over the counter and consists of the leaves of the plant and an alcohol solution. After several weeks of infusion, the leaves are strained and the clear tincture is ready. Depending on the type of treatment, ten to 50 drops should be taken. The quantity and duration of use should be discussed with a doctor. Typical uses of tincture or tea are
- Relief of stomach cramps
- Suppression of flatulence
- Relieving fever
- Help with diarrhea
- Strengthening the body against parasites
Every body reacts slightly differently to the administration of annual mugwort, also in terms of side effects. Treatment should be started under the supervision of a doctor and should not be carried out uncontrolled over weeks or months for the reasons mentioned above.
Conclusion on annual mugwort (Artemisia annua)
Annual mugwort is a small miracle cure that has long received little attention as a medicinal herb in Germany and Europe. This has changed over the last few decades; its effect against malaria has been scientifically proven and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine. The annual mugwort has also proven to be a faithful companion in every herbal pharmacy in combating many other ailments. It should not be administered too much as a tea or tincture, otherwise a habituation effect will occur.
