A PHARMACOGNOSTIC REVIEW ON ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM

Abstract

Artemisia, being the widely distributed genus of the plant family Asteraceae encompasses about 500 species. Among them, Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) is a well-known herb commonly known as Wormwood and Afsanteen. A. absinthium reported to possess several therapeutic benefits in fever, inflammation, epilepsy, gastric problems and urinary disorders. Review of literature included PubMed, Science Direct searches with 'A. absinthium' and 'Wormwood' as initial key words. The search was further refined by looking for terms such as 'Constituents' (or composition) and 'Activity' (or effect) within the results. The major bioactive constituents of Wormwood are mono and sesquiterpenes. The present review comprises up to date information of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of A. absinthium. The A. absinthium is a rich source of chemically novel compounds and needs elaborate screening strategies to dwell into the pharmacological effects of its phytoconstituents at the molecular level. This review article provides preliminary information and gives a direction for the basic and clinical research on A. absinthium.