Herbs (Global Traditional) · Kampo
Artemisia princeps (Japanese Mugwort)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Japanese mugwort (Artemisia princeps) contains bioactive compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids that demonstrate antioxidant and potential metabolic effects. The plant shows preliminary evidence for DPPH radical scavenging activity and anti-obesity properties in animal studies.
Artemisia princeps, known as Japanese mugwort or yomogi, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. The leaves are harvested and processed via steam distillation under reduced pressure or simultaneous purging and extraction methods to yield volatile oil extracts containing terpenoids, monoterpenoids, and aromatic compounds.
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for Artemisia princeps were found in the available research. The only experimental study cited was an animal model using high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6 mice to assess anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of ethanol leaf extract.
No clinically studied dosage ranges for Artemisia princeps extracts, powders, or standardized forms are available as human trials are absent. Animal studies used ethanol extracts but did not specify human-equivalent doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Japanese mugwort's flavonoids and phenolic compounds neutralize free radicals through DPPH scavenging mechanisms, with an IC50 of 0.82 mg/100g dried sample. The ethanol leaf extract appears to influence lipid metabolism pathways in adipose tissue. Anti-diabetic effects may involve glucose regulation mechanisms, though specific molecular targets require further investigation.
Current evidence for Japanese mugwort is limited to in vitro and animal studies. Laboratory testing showed DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 0.82 mg/100g dried sample. Animal studies in high-fat diet-fed mice demonstrated anti-obesity effects with ethanol leaf extract, but no human clinical trials have been conducted. Anti-diabetic potential has been observed in preliminary animal research, though human efficacy data is lacking.
Japanese mugwort safety data in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. As an Artemisia species, it may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Potential interactions with blood-thinning medications should be considered given the antioxidant properties. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data and traditional concerns with Artemisia species during pregnancy.
