# Artemisia vulgaris

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/artemisia-vulgaris
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Mugwort, Common mugwort, Wild wormwood, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor's tobacco, Felon herb, St. John's plant, Chrysanthemum weed, Riverside wormwood, Mother of herbs, Moxa, Ai ye (Chinese), Ssuk (Korean), Beifuss (German), Armoise commune (French)

## Overview

Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) contains bioactive sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin, and volatile oils including 1,8-cineole, which drive its antioxidant and antispasmolytic effects. These compounds modulate smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep) and free-radical scavenging via inhibition of [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and interaction with cholinergic pathways.

## Health Benefits

• May provide [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) support (preliminary evidence from in-vitro studies only)
• Could support liver health through [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects (traditional use, no clinical trials cited)
• May help with digestive spasms via antispasmolytic properties (traditional use, lacking human RCTs)
• Potentially offers pain relief through analgesic effects (preliminary research, no specific clinical data)
• May support respiratory health through broncholytic effects (traditional use, no controlled human studies)

## Mechanism of Action

The sesquiterpene lactones in Artemisia vulgaris, particularly artabsin and absinthin, inhibit NF-κB signaling to reduce [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release (TNF-α, IL-6). Flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and inhibit xanthine oxidase, reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. The volatile oil constituent 1,8-cineole exerts antispasmolytic effects by antagonizing muscarinic [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptors and inhibiting calcium influx in smooth muscle cells, reducing gastrointestinal cramping.

## Clinical Summary

Evidence for Artemisia vulgaris in humans remains preliminary, with most data derived from in-vitro cell studies and rodent models rather than randomized controlled trials. A limited number of animal studies have demonstrated [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects, showing reductions in serum ALT and AST levels following hepatotoxin exposure, but no equivalent human clinical trials have been published. [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) has been confirmed in multiple in-vitro assays (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging), yet these findings have not been validated in human cohorts with measurable clinical endpoints. Overall, the evidence base is insufficient to establish therapeutic dosing or confirm efficacy in humans, and the ingredient is currently supported primarily by traditional pharmacopoeia use.

## Nutritional Profile

Artemisia vulgaris (common mugwort) contains a complex array of bioactive compounds with limited quantitative nutritional data from standardized analyses. Macronutrient composition per 100g dried leaf material is approximately: crude protein 12–18g, crude fiber 15–22g, total carbohydrates 35–45g, crude fat 3–6g. Moisture in fresh leaves is approximately 70–80%. Key micronutrients include potassium (estimated 300–500mg/100g dried), calcium (200–350mg/100g), magnesium (80–150mg/100g), and iron (10–20mg/100g), though soil-dependent variation is significant. Vitamin content includes moderate levels of vitamin C (20–40mg/100g fresh weight, highly degraded upon drying), beta-carotene (provitamin A precursor, approximately 2–5mg/100g fresh), and small amounts of vitamin K (phylloquinone, estimated 50–100mcg/100g). Primary bioactive compounds include: sesquiterpene lactones (artabsin, absinthin, vulgarin) at approximately 0.1–0.5% of dry weight, responsible for bitter taste and proposed [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) activity; essential oil constituents (0.2–0.5% volatile oil content) dominated by camphor (up to 30–45% of oil fraction), 1,8-cineole (10–20%), alpha-thujone (5–15%, notable neurotoxic concern at high doses), and borneol (5–10%); flavonoids including quercetin, luteolin, and rutin at approximately 0.5–1.2% total flavonoid content by dry weight; coumarin derivatives (scopoletin, umbelliferone) at trace to 0.1% levels; chlorogenic acid and other hydroxycinnamic acids contributing to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity (DPPH radical scavenging IC50 reported at 80–150mcg/mL in ethanolic extracts). Bioavailability notes: sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids show moderate oral bioavailability, enhanced by lipophilic extraction; thujone content raises safety concerns limiting therapeutic dosing; polyphenol bioavailability is reduced by dietary fiber matrix; most quantitative data derives from European and Asian wild-harvested specimens with notable chemotype variation.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the current research for Artemisia vulgaris extracts, powders, or standardized preparations. The research provides no standardization parameters or dosing protocols. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Artemisia vulgaris is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its documented uterotonic and emmenagogue properties, which can stimulate uterine contractions and risk miscarriage. Individuals with allergies to Asteraceae/Compositae family plants (ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy) face a significant cross-reactivity risk and should avoid this herb. It may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin due to coumarin constituents, requiring caution and INR monitoring if used concurrently. Long-term or high-dose use carries a risk of thujone-related neurotoxicity from its volatile oil fraction, and prolonged consumption is not recommended without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

The available research provides no specific clinical trial data or PMIDs for Artemisia vulgaris. A 2020 comprehensive review documented various pharmacological effects but did not cite specific human RCT data, and notably, no formal regulatory monographs have been issued by ESCOP or EMA despite the plant having an EFSA monograph.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Artemisia vulgaris was historically called the 'mother of herbs' in the Middle Ages, indicating significant importance in European traditional medicine. The plant has been used across Europe, East Asia (particularly Korea), and North America in traditional medicine systems, though it is currently listed only as a homeopathic raw material in the European and French Pharmacopoeias.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, dandelion root, turmeric, ginger, peppermint

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Artemisia vulgaris used for in traditional medicine?

Artemisia vulgaris has been used in European and Asian traditional medicine primarily to relieve digestive complaints such as bloating, cramping, and loss of appetite, as well as to regulate menstruation. It appears in several national pharmacopoeias, including those of China and Germany, where it is classified as a bitter tonic acting on the gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. These applications are attributed to its sesquiterpene lactone and volatile oil content, though modern clinical validation remains limited.

### Is mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) safe to take as a supplement?

Artemisia vulgaris is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy due to its uterotonic activity and must be strictly avoided in that context. For non-pregnant adults, short-term use at moderate doses is regarded as relatively low-risk, but the thujone content in its volatile oils poses a neurotoxicity risk with excessive or prolonged use. People with Asteraceae allergies should also avoid it due to cross-reactivity, and anyone on blood-thinning medications like warfarin should consult a physician before use.

### What are the active compounds in Artemisia vulgaris?

The primary bioactive constituents of Artemisia vulgaris include sesquiterpene lactones (artabsin, vulgarin), flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, rutin), and a complex volatile oil fraction containing 1,8-cineole, camphor, and thujone. Hydroxycoumarins and polyacetylenes are also present and may contribute to its anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties respectively. The relative concentration of these compounds varies significantly based on geographic origin, harvest time, and plant part used.

### Does Artemisia vulgaris have any proven antioxidant effects?

In-vitro studies consistently demonstrate significant free-radical scavenging activity for Artemisia vulgaris extracts, with DPPH assay IC50 values reported in the range of 50–200 µg/mL depending on extraction method and plant part. This activity is primarily attributed to its flavonoid content, particularly quercetin and luteolin, which inhibit lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase. However, no human clinical trials have confirmed that these in-vitro antioxidant effects translate to meaningful systemic antioxidant outcomes in vivo.

### Can Artemisia vulgaris interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Artemisia vulgaris has documented potential for clinically relevant drug interactions. Its coumarin constituents may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other blood thinners, increasing bleeding risk and necessitating INR monitoring. Additionally, because its volatile oil fraction can affect cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, it may theoretically alter the metabolism of drugs processed by CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 pathways, though direct human pharmacokinetic data are currently lacking.

### What is the difference between Artemisia vulgaris extract and dried leaf forms?

Artemisia vulgaris is available as dried herb, infusions, tinctures, and standardized extracts, each with varying concentrations of active compounds. Extracts typically offer more concentrated levels of volatile oils and sesquiterpenes compared to dried leaf alone, though standardization levels vary by manufacturer. The choice between forms depends on intended use and absorption preferences, as tinctures may be absorbed faster than dried preparations. Clinical evidence comparing bioavailability across these different forms is limited.

### Is Artemisia vulgaris safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Artemisia vulgaris is traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential uterotonic (uterus-stimulating) properties, and pregnant women should avoid supplementation. Limited safety data exists for breastfeeding women, making avoidance the prudent approach until more evidence is available. WHO/EMA monographs and traditional herbal product regulations typically restrict its use in these populations. Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### How strong is the clinical evidence supporting Artemisia vulgaris for digestive health?

Most evidence for Artemisia vulgaris's digestive benefits comes from traditional use and in-vitro studies rather than human randomized controlled trials. While antispasmolytic (anti-cramping) properties are documented in traditional medicine systems, no robust clinical studies in humans demonstrate efficacy for specific gastrointestinal conditions. The WHO/EMA monograph status reflects historical use rather than conclusive modern clinical validation. Anyone using it for digestive issues should maintain realistic expectations about unproven benefits.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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