# Yomogi (Artemisia princeps)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/yomogi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Artemisia princeps, Japanese mugwort, Korean mugwort, Ssuk, Gaenip, Japanese wormwood, Korean wormwood, Chōsen-yomogi

## Overview

Yomogi (Artemisia princeps) is a medicinal herb used in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine containing bioactive compounds like artemisinin and flavonoids. Its ethanol extract demonstrates anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects through modulation of [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and lipid accumulation pathways.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects demonstrated in preclinical studies using ethanol extract in high-fat diet-fed mice (animal evidence only)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity reported from essential oil constituents in laboratory studies (in vitro evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties attributed to monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (in vitro evidence)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) noted in laboratory assessments of essential oils (in vitro evidence)
• Anticoagulant effects observed in preclinical models (animal evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Yomogi's ethanol extract modulates glucose homeostasis by enhancing [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and inhibiting adipogenesis through PPAR-gamma pathway regulation. Essential oil constituents including camphor and 1,8-cineole demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. The flavonoid compounds contribute to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for yomogi is limited to preclinical studies, with most research conducted in animal models and laboratory settings. Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects were demonstrated in high-fat diet-fed mice using ethanol extracts, showing significant reductions in body weight and improved glucose tolerance. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties have been validated through in vitro studies testing essential oil constituents against various bacterial strains. Human clinical trials investigating yomogi's therapeutic potential are lacking, limiting the strength of evidence for clinical applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g of fresh Yomogi (Artemisia princeps) leaves: Water ~80–85 g; Energy ~45–55 kcal; Protein ~5.2 g; Total fat ~0.8 g; Carbohydrates ~8–10 g (including dietary fiber ~6.9 g, among the highest for leafy greens); Ash ~1.5–2.0 g. Vitamins: β-carotene (provitamin A) ~5,300 µg (high; bioconversion to retinol ~1/12 by weight); Vitamin K ~340 µg (notably high, relevant for coagulation); Vitamin C ~35 mg; Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) ~3.2 mg; Folate (B9) ~190 µg; Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) ~0.34 mg; Vitamin B1 (thiamine) ~0.10 mg; Niacin ~2.4 mg. Minerals: Potassium ~890 mg; Calcium ~180 mg; Magnesium ~29 mg; Phosphorus ~100 mg; Iron ~4.3 mg (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced by co-consumed vitamin C); Zinc ~0.6 mg; Manganese ~1.2 mg. Bioactive compounds (key phytochemicals): Essential oil (0.2–0.5% of dry weight) composed primarily of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol, ~20–35% of oil), α-thujone (~10–25%), β-thujone (~5–15%), camphor (~5–12%), borneol (~3–8%), and β-caryophyllene (~3–7%). Flavonoids: eupatilin (~0.01–0.05% dry weight, a 6-methoxylated flavone with notable gastroprotective and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity), jaceosidin (~0.005–0.03% dry weight, a 6-methoxyflavone), luteolin and apigenin glycosides (minor). Caffeoylquinic acids: chlorogenic acid (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, ~0.5–1.5% dry weight), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (~0.3–0.8% dry weight), and related isomers contributing significant [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity; these phenolic acids have moderate oral bioavailability (~30% absorption, extensively metabolized by gut microbiota). Sesquiterpene lactones: artabsin, absinthin (trace to minor amounts, bitter principles). Coumarins: scopoletin, esculetin (trace). Polysaccharides in dried herb contribute [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)-type soluble fiber. Chlorophyll content is high (~1.0–1.5 mg/g fresh weight), responsible for the characteristic deep green color used in mochi and other culinary preparations. Bioavailability notes: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K) and terpene-based essential oil constituents are better absorbed with dietary fat; eupatilin and jaceosidin show moderate oral bioavailability in pharmacokinetic studies (~15–30% in rodent models) but undergo extensive first-pass glucuronidation; caffeoylquinic acids are partially hydrolyzed to caffeic acid in the gut, which is then absorbed and conjugated. Thujone content warrants caution with concentrated essential oil use due to neurotoxic potential at high doses (EFSA threshold: 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Artemisia princeps extracts, powders, or standardized forms due to the absence of human clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Yomogi is generally considered safe when used in traditional preparations, but comprehensive safety data is limited. As a member of the Artemisia family, it may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications may occur due to compounds that could affect blood clotting. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid yomogi supplements due to insufficient safety data and potential uterine stimulant effects.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for Artemisia princeps were identified in the available research. Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies in mice showing anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects, and in vitro studies demonstrating various biological activities of essential oils.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Artemisia princeps has been used for nearly 2000 years in traditional East Asian medicine across China, Korea, and Japan as both a food and healthcare product. The leaves are traditionally incorporated as a food ingredient valued for their fresh aroma and depth of flavor, while also being utilized for potential therapeutic benefits.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, Berberine, Cinnamon extract, Turmeric, Alpha-lipoic acid

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in yomogi?

Yomogi contains several bioactive compounds including artemisinin, flavonoids, and essential oils with camphor and 1,8-cineole. The ethanol extract containing these compounds has demonstrated the most significant biological activities in research studies.

### How much yomogi should I take daily?

There is no established standard dosage for yomogi supplements due to limited human studies. Traditional Kampo preparations typically use 3-9 grams of dried herb daily, but dosing should be determined by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

### Can yomogi help with weight loss?

Preclinical studies in mice showed yomogi ethanol extract reduced body weight and fat accumulation when combined with high-fat diets. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm weight loss benefits and determine effective dosing in people.

### Is yomogi safe to take with diabetes medications?

Yomogi may have blood sugar-lowering effects based on animal studies, potentially enhancing the effects of diabetes medications. Diabetic patients should consult their healthcare provider before using yomogi to avoid potential hypoglycemic interactions.

### What's the difference between yomogi and regular mugwort?

Yomogi (Artemisia princeps) is the Japanese variety of mugwort with specific chemical constituents used in Kampo medicine. While related to common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), yomogi has distinct bioactive compound profiles and traditional preparation methods.

### Is yomogi safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yomogi should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and its traditional use as an emmenagogue (substance that may stimulate menstruation). No clinical studies have evaluated yomogi's safety in pregnant or nursing women, and its essential oil constituents may pose risks to fetal development or nursing infants. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### What does current research actually show about yomogi's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for yomogi comes from laboratory and animal studies—human clinical trials are extremely limited. The anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects observed in mice fed a high-fat diet have not been confirmed in human populations, making it difficult to translate these findings to real-world supplementation. More rigorous clinical research is needed before strong health claims can be made.

### Are there differences between yomogi extract, tea, and fresh herb preparations?

Ethanol extracts concentrate bioactive compounds like monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes more effectively than tea preparations, though no direct bioavailability comparison studies exist in humans. Fresh herb forms retain volatile essential oils that are partially lost during drying, while powdered and extract forms offer greater consistency in dosing. The optimal form depends on your intended use, but extracts are typically used in clinical research and may deliver higher concentrations of active constituents.

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