Artemisia spp. Essential Oils: From Their Ethnobotanical Use to Unraveling the Microbiota Modulation Potential.

BACKGROUND: The 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine, awarded for the discovery of artemisinin in Artemisia annua, reignited interest in aromatic plants, including Artemisia absinthium L. This article delves into the historical, ethnopharmacological and medicinal significance of A. absinthium, examining its bitter taste noted since ancient Greek times and its association with medicinal properties throughout history. Despite being banned in the 20th century due to perceived health risks; recent research has led to the reconsideration of A. absinthium's potential applications. This study focuses on the prebiotic efficacy of essential oils (EOs) from two Artemisia species: A. absinthium and A. annua. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A broth microdilution test, growth curve test and in vivo models were used to study the impact of low doses (from 0.5% v/v to 0.00048 v/v) of Artemisia spp-EO on the three probiotic strains (Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces boulardii). RESULTS: These essential oils, when used in minimal concentrations (lower than 0.06% v/v), are safe and exhibit prebiotic effects on major probiotic strains, supporting the traditional culinary use of Artemisia spp. CONCLUSION: This research opens avenues for potential applications in the food industry, emphasizing the need for further exploration into the prebiotic properties of Artemisia spp-EOs and their influence on the microbiota.

Oviposition Deterrent Activity of Some Wild Plants for Adult Females of Chrysomya albiceps with Medical and Veterinary Importance.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i> is widely spread worldwide, causing myiasis in both humans and animals and playing a mechanical role in the spreading of helminths, viruses and bacteria. Searching for new and safe alternative control methods is very important to eliminate the transmission of pathogens. This study aims to determine the oviposition-deterrent activity of <i>Juniperus procera</i>, <i>Artemisia absinthium</i>, <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> and <i>Hypoestes forskaolii</i> wild plants against adult <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The effect of plant extracts from <i>Juniperus procera</i>, <i>Artemisia absinthium</i>, <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> and <i>Hypoestes forskaolii</i> plants were tested against adult females of <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i> for oviposition deterrent or repellency. These extracts resulted in oviposition deterrent efficacy for adult females of <i>C. albiceps</i> based on the plant type, plant part (leaves or stems), extract type (methanol, acetone and petroleum ether) and tested dose. <b>Results:</b> The highest anti-oviposition activity against <i>C. albiceps</i> females presented from <i>A. absinthium</i> stems acetone extract at a dose of 1 mg cm² by 100 %, while at 0.5 mg cm² recorded remarkable repellency by 86.7% as compared with the control treatment. According to the dose-response relationship, <i>A. absinthium</i> methanol and acetone extracts were ED₅₀ values of 0.85, 0.319 mg cm² (leaves) and 1.88, 0.576 mg cm² (stems), followed by <i>J. procera</i> methanol extract by 0.983 mg cm² (leaves) and 0.98 mg cm² (stems), respectively achieved highest oviposition deterrent efficiency as compared with other extracts. <b>Conclusion:</b> The high repellency activities of these extracts can be utilized to stop <i>C. albiceps</i> flies from laying eggs on wounds and transmitting myiasis diseases to humans and animals and could potentially replace pesticides used in the future control programs of flies.

Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation of a hydroethanolic extract of Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): comparison of antibacterial and anticancer activity.

Introduction: Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation are attractive novel methods that can be used for incorporating active plant extracts in food preparations and pharmaceutical formulations. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer and antibacterial effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Nettle (NE), Wormwood (WE), and the combination of the two plants (CNWE), as well as their nanoemulsion forms (NN, NW, CNNW) and nanoencapsulation forms (CN, CW, and CCNW). Methods: The morphology and structure of the nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation preparations were assessed utilizing dynamic light scattering (DLS) along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial activity of the prepared formulations were assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), zone of inhibition diameter, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), along with biofilm growth inhibition against Salmonaella typhimurium and Klebsiella. pneumoniae. The anticancer activity was evaluated via a MTT assay in the colon cancer cell line (HCT116). Results: The nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation particle size varied between 10 and 50 nm and 60 and 110 nm, respectively. The MIC values were between 11.25 and 95 µg/mL along with MBC values between 11.25 and 190 µg/mL. The highest inhibition of biofilm formation was observed with CCNW against K. pneumoniae (∼78.5%) and S. typhimurium (∼73%). In descending order, the inhibition of biofilm formation was CCNW > CW > CN > CNNW > NN > NW > CNWE > NE > WE against the tested bacteria. The IC50 values for NE, WE, CNWE, NN, NW, CNNW, CN, CW, and CCNW were determined as 250, 170, 560, 380, 312, 370, 250, 420, and 700 µg/mL, respectively. Exposure to a high concentration of NW resulted in a significantly lower HCT116 viability compared to other groups. Taken together, CNNW, and CCNW showed the highest antibacterial and anticancer activitiy. Discussion: Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation were effective ways to increase the antibacterial and anticancer activity of the extracts and could be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Predictive toxicological effects of Artemisia absinthium essential oil on hepatic stellate cells.

Medicinal plants are important worldwide, considering their properties for treating diseases; however, few studies have evaluated their toxicological potential. Among them, Artemisia absinthium is frequently used to treat liver diseases, because its essential oil has several popular therapeutic properties. Based on this information, in the present study, we investigated molecular connectors of physiological effects of the Artemisia absinthium essential oil on human hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2, to explore the potential toxicity of the plant on liver cells. LX-2 is a cellular model to investigate mechanisms of liver fibrosis; then, to analyze the essential oil effects LX-2 was cultured under different conditions, treated or not with the essential oil at 0.4 µg/µL for 24 h. Next, fluorescence microscopy analyses, gene expression measurements, and biochemical approaches revealed that the essential oil reduced pro-fibrogenic markers; however, disrupt lipid metabolism, and cause cellular stress, by the activation of cellular detoxification and pro-inflammatory processes. In conclusion, the hepatic stellate cells incubated with the essential oil present an antifibrotic potential, supporting its popular use; however, the combined results suggest that the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium should be used with caution.

Análise de metabólitos secundários presentes nas plantas Cynara scolymus L e Artemisia absinthium L durante o tratamento de dislipidemias / Analysis of secondary metabolites present in the plants Cynara scolymus L and Artemisia absinthium L during the treatment of dyslipidemia

O uso de plantas medicinais como forma de tratamento para várias doenças é uma tradição que se estende entre gerações, há milhares de anos. Os povos antigos costumavam usar partes específicas de alguns vegetais para a realização de chás e curativos para feridas. Ainda nos dias atuais, muitas pessoas preferem as formas naturais como tratamento para suas comorbidades, principalmente como adjuvantes no combate às dislipidemias. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de analisar as plantas Cynara scolymus L e Artemisia absinthium L para confirmar a presença ou ausência de proteases específicas contra a hipercolesterolemia. A pesquisa foi realizada através de uma triagem das plantas no software RCSB (https://www.rcsb.org/). No final, pode-se confirmar que a planta Cynara scolymus L atende às perspectivas de tratamento da hipercolesterolemia, enquanto a Artemisia absinthium L não apresentou valores suficientes que sejam eficazes no tratamento.

The use of medicinal plants as a form of treatment for various diseases is a tradition that has spanned generations for thousands of years. Ancient people used to use specific parts of some vegetables to make teas and dressings for wounds. Even today, many people prefer natural forms as a treatment for their comorbidities, especially as adjuvants in the fight against dyslipidemia. The present work aimed to analyze the plants Cynara scolymus L and Artemisia absinthium L to confirm the presence or absence of specific proteases against hypercholesterolemia. The research was carried out by screening the plants using the RCSB software (https://www.rcsb.org/). In the end, it can be confirmed that the Cynara scolymus L plant meets the prospects for treating hypercholesterolemia, while Artemisia absinthium L did not present sufficient values that are effective in the treatment.

Antipyretic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Artemisia absinthium L. as a standalone and as an adjuvant with barley water against yeast-induced pyrexia in albino Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: In Unani medicine, a comprehensive treatment plan has been delineated to deal with febrile illnesses using herbal drugs along with modified dietetics, which stands as a promising area of research. The present study was aimed at evaluating the antipyretic activity of the HAE of Artemisia absinthium L. whole plant as a standalone and as an adjuvant with barley water in an animal model of pyrexia to validate the age-old Unani principle of the treatment. METHODS: The pyrexia was induced in all the groups except the plain control using Brewer's yeast. Group II did not receive any treatment, while group III received crocin, group IV received HAE of A. absinthium, group V administered Ma al-Sha'ir, and group VI was treated with the HAE of A. absinthium along with Ma al-Sha'ir by oral route. The rectal temperature of each rat was recorded at '0' h, 30 min, 60 min, and 180 min. RESULTS: The mean rectal temperature of group III went down from 101.82±0.20 °F to 100.4±0.57 °F over the period of (0-180) minutes, whereas the mean temperature in group IV went down from 102.45±0.60 °F to 100.14±0.57 °F. The mean rectal temperature of group V decreased from 100.62±0.11 °F to 99.55±0.51 °F, while the mean rectal temperature of group VI went down from 101.95±0.1 °F to 97.7±0.11 °F. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the HAE of A. absinthium L. as a standalone and along with Ma al Sha'ir showed excellent antipyretic activity as compared to the standard drug in an animal model.

In Vitro Assessment of the Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum Extracts Processed Using Membrane Technologies.

Recently, there has been increased interest in the discovery of new natural herbal remedies for treating diabetes and inflammatory diseases. In this context, this work analyzed the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum herbs, which have been studied less from this point of view. Therefore, extracts were prepared and processed using membrane technologies, micro- and ultrafiltration, to concentrate the biologically active principles. The polyphenol and flavone contents in the extracts were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of the polyphenolic compounds was performed via HPLC, identifying chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid and rutin in A. absinthium; chlorogenic acid, luteolin and rutin in A. vulgaris; and genistin in T. foenum-graecum. The antidiabetic activity of the extracts was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and the anti-inflammatory activity was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase. Thus, the concentrated extracts of T. foenum-graecum showed high inhibitory activity on a-amylase-IC50 = 3.22 ± 0.3 µg/mL-(compared with acarbose-IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.18 µg/mL) and high inhibitory activity on LOX-IC50 = 19.69 ± 0.52 µg/mL (compared with all standards used). The concentrated extract of A. vulgaris showed increased α-amylase inhibition activity-IC50 = 8.57 ± 2.31 µg/mL-compared to acarbose IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.18 µg/mL. The concentrated extract of A. absinthium showed pronounced LOX inhibition activity-IC50 = 19.71 ± 0.79 µg/mL-compared to ibuprofen-IC50 = 20.19 ± 1.25 µg/mL.

The aqueous extract of Artemisia Absinthium L. stimulates HO-1/MT-1/Cyp450 signaling pathway via oxidative stress regulation induced by aluminium oxide nanoparticles (α and γ) animal model.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Artemisia Absinthium L. (Abs) against liver damage induced by aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) in rats, including both structural and functional changes associated with hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). The first group received no treatment. The second group was orally administered Abs at a dose of 200 mg/kg/b.w. The third and fifth groups were injected intraperitoneally with γ-Al2O3 NPs and α-Al2O3 NPs, respectively, at a dose of 30 mg/kg/b.w. The fourth and sixth groups were pre-treated with oral Abs at a dose of 200 mg/kg/b.w. along with intraperitoneal injection of γ-Al2O3 NPs and α-Al2O3 NPs, respectively, at a dose of 30 mg/kg/b.w. RESULTS: Treatment with γ-Al2O3 NPs resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total body weight gain, relative liver weight to body weight, and liver weight in rats. However, co-administration of γ-Al2O3 NPs with Abs significantly increased body weight gain (P < 0.05). Rats treated with Al2O3 NPs (γ and α) exhibited elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Conversely, treatment significantly reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and metallothionein-1 (MT-1) mRNAs, cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) protein, and histopathological changes were significantly up-regulated in rats injected with Al2O3 NPs. Pre-treatment with Abs significantly reduced MDA, AST, HO-1, and CYP P450 levels in the liver, while increasing GPx and T-SOD levels compared to rats treated with Al2O3 NPs. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Abs has potential protective effects against oxidative stress, up-regulation of oxidative-related genes and proteins, and histopathological alterations induced by Al2O3 NPs. Notably, γ-Al2O3 NPs exhibited greater hepatotoxicity than α-Al2O3 NPs.

New Evidence for Artemisia absinthium as an Alternative to Classical Antibiotics: Chemical Analysis of Phenolic Compounds, Screening for Antimicrobial Activity.

Artemisia absinthium, an important herb of the Artemisia genus, was evaluated in this study for its potential as an alternative to classical antibiotics. The antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of A. absinthium (MEAA) was evaluated using the broth microdilution method, revealing that A. absinthium exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to analyze the chemical profile of the MEAA, with a focus on flavonoids, quinic acids, and glucaric acids. A total of 90 compounds were identified, 69 of which were described for the first time in A. absinthium. Additionally, a new class of caffeoyl methyl glucaric acids was identified. The main active compounds were quantified and screened for antimicrobial activity. A. absinthium was found to be rich in quinic acids and flavonoids. The screening for antimicrobial activity also revealed that salicylic acid, caffeic acid, casticin, and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid had varying degrees of antimicrobial activity. The acute toxicity of MEAA was examined following OECD guidelines. The administration of 5000 mg/kg bw of MEAA did not result in mortality in male and female mice. Furthermore, there were no observed effects on the visceral organs or general behavior of the mice, demonstrating the good safety of MEAA. This study provides new evidence for the use of A. absinthium as an alternative to classical antibiotics in addressing the problem of bacterial resistance.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Screening of Artemisia Species.

Taking into account the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, actual research focused on plant extracts is vital. The aim of our study was to investigate leaf and stem ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium L. and Artemisia annua L. in order to explore their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS. The antibacterial activity of wormwood extracts was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enteritidis cultures, and by zone of inhibition in Klebsiella carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Escherichia coli extended-spectrum ß-lactamases cultures (ESBL). The Artemisia annua L. leaf extract (AnL) exhibited the highest TPC (518.09 mg/mL) and the highest expression of sinapic acid (285.69 ± 0.002 µg/mL). Nevertheless, the highest antioxidant capacity (1360.51 ± 0.04 µM Trolox/g DW by ABTS and 735.77 ± 0.02 µM Trolox/g DW by DPPH) was found in Artemisia absinthium L. leaf from the second year of vegetation (AbL2). AnL extract exhibited the lowest MIC and MBC for all tested bacteria and the maximal zone of inhibition for Klebsiella CRE and Escherichia coli ESBL. Our study revealed that AbL2 exhibited the best antioxidant potential, while AnL extract had the strongest antibacterial effect.

Artemisia Absinthium Extract Attenuates the Quinolinic Acid-Induced Cell Injury in OLN-93 Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Increased quinolinic acid (QA) accumulation has been found in many neurodegenerative diseases. Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) has been reported to have neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of A. absinthium in QAinduced neurotoxicity in OLN-93 Cells. METHODS: OLN-93 cells were cultured in a DMEM medium containing 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 µg/ml streptomycin. The cells were pretreated with concentrations of A. absinthium extract for two h and then exposed to QA for 24 h. After 24 h cell viability, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptotic cells were quantitated in OLN-93 Cells. RESULTS: Pretreatment with A. absinthium extract prevented the loss of cell viability in OLN-93 cells. ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in QA-injured OLN-93 cells were reduced following A. absinthium extract pretreatment. CONCLUSION: A. absinthium extract exerts its neuroprotective effect against QA-induced neurotoxicity via oxidative stress and apoptosis modulation.

Artemisia Species with High Biological Values as a Potential Source of Medicinal and Cosmetic Raw Materials.

Artemisia species play a vital role in traditional and contemporary medicine. Among them, Artemisia abrotanum, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia annua, Artemisia dracunculus, and Artemisia vulgaris are the most popular. The chemical composition and bioactivity of these species have been extensively studied. Studies on these species have confirmed their traditional applications and documented new pharmacological directions and their valuable and potential applications in cosmetology. Artemisia ssp. primarily contain sesquiterpenoid lactones, coumarins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Essential oils obtained from these species are of great biological importance. Extracts from Artemisia ssp. have been scientifically proven to exhibit, among others, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, cytotoxic, and digestion-stimulating activities. In addition, their application in cosmetic products is currently the subject of several studies. Essential oils or extracts from different parts of Artemisia ssp. have been characterized by antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. Products with Artemisia extracts, essential oils, or individual compounds can be used on skin, hair, and nails. Artemisia products are also used as ingredients in skincare cosmetics, such as creams, shampoos, essences, serums, masks, lotions, and tonics. This review focuses especially on elucidating the importance of the most popular/important species of the Artemisia genus in the cosmetic industry.

In vitro antiviral, antioxidant and in vivo antipyretic activity of three South Africa medicinal plants crude extracts / Actividad antiviral, antioxidante y antipirética in vivo de tres extractos crudos de plantas medicinales de Sudáfrica

This study investigated anti-viral, antioxidant activity and anti-pyretic of crude extract from Artemisia afra, Artemisia absinthium and Pittiosporum viridflorum leaves. The crude extracts were prepared by maceration using aqueous, methanol and dichloromethane respectively. Antiviral studies were evaluated with influenza virus using Fluorescence based - Neuraminidase inhibitors. Antioxidant activities determined with DPPH, Nitric oxide, hydroxyl and super oxide anion radicals' Anti-pyretic activities were evaluated using rats with yeast induced pyrexia. Total phenol, flavonoids, and pro-anthocyanin contents of the plants samples were evaluated using standard protocols. The crude extracts exhibited neuraminidase inhibitory activity against the influenza virus at different thresholds. Artemisia absinthiumaqueous extract showed the best activity against A/Sydney/5/97. Whereas Artemisia afra methanol crude extract displayed highest antioxidant potential against the tested antioxidant parameters. All the crude extracts significantly reversed yeast induced pyrexia in rats, similar to paracetamol. Thus, they could serve as natural remedy for respiratory diseases such as Influenza.

Este estudio investigó la actividad antiviral, antioxidante y antipirética del extracto crudo de hojas de Artemisia afra, Artemisia absinthium y Pittiosporum viridflorum. Los extractos crudos se prepararon mediante maceración utilizando metanol acuoso y diclorometano respectivamente. Los estudios antivirales se evaluaron con el virus de la influenza utilizando inhibidores de neuraminidasa basados en fluorescencia. Actividades antioxidantes determinadas con DPPH, radicales aniónicos de óxido nítrico, hidroxilo y superóxido. Las actividades antipiréticas se evaluaron utilizando ratas con pirexia inducida por levaduras. El contenido total de fenol, flavonoides y proantocianina de las muestras de plantas se evaluó utilizando protocolos estándar. Los extractos crudos mostraron actividad inhibidora de neuraminidasa contra el virus de la influenza en diferentes umbrales. El extracto acuoso de Artemisia absinthium mostró la mejor actividad contra A/Sydney/5/97. Mientras que el extracto crudo de Artemisia aframetanol mostró el mayor potencial antioxidante contra los parámetros antioxidantes probados. Todos los extractos crudos revirtieron significativamente la pirexia inducida por levaduras en ratas, similar al paracetamol. Por tanto, podrían servir como remedio natural para enfermedades respiratorias como la Influenza.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Acute Toxicity of Methanol Extracts of Artemisia absinthium, Datura stramonium, and Solanum anguivi.

Background: Bacterial pathogens have evolved numerous defense mechanisms against commercial antimicrobial agents, and their resistance to most of the available antimicrobials is increasing. Medicinal plants are a potential source of antimicrobial agents during the spread and emergence of infectious disease caused by resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the antimicrobial activity and acute toxicity of 80% methanol extracts of leaves of Artemisia absinthium, seeds of Datura stramonium, and fruit of Solanum anguivi. Materials and Methods: The 80% methanol extracts were prepared by cold maceration. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against five bacterial species using agar-well diffusion at concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 mg/mL in the presence of positive and negative controls. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by broth dilution. The acute toxicity study was done following OECD guidelines. Results: The 80% methanol extract of the fruit of S. anguivi exhibited better activity against most of the bacterial strains, of which Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was found to be the most susceptible, with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 1.3 mg/mL and 1.95 mg/mL, respectively, while the seed extract of D. stramonium showed the least activity against most test organisms. The acute toxicity study showed that all three plants had an LD50 >2,000 mg/kg body weight, and were thus safe. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the methanol extracts of the three plants (A. absinthium, D. stramonium, and S. anguivi) had different degrees of antibacterial activity against the selected pathogenic bacteria and were safe at higher doses, thus being of great potential to be developed as antibacterial agents. The study also provided scientific evidence to support the continued traditional use of these medicinal plants by communities in different parts of Ethiopia to treat infectious diseases.

Artemisia absinthium L. Aqueous and Ethyl Acetate Extracts: Antioxidant Effect and Potential Activity In Vitro and In Vivo against Pancreatic α-Amylase and Intestinal α-Glucosidase.

Artemisia absinthium L. is one of the plants which has been used in folk medicine for many diseases over many centuries. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the Artemisia absinthium ethyl acetate and its aqueous extracts and to evaluate their effect on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme and the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme. In this study, the total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in ethyl acetate and the aqueous extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves were determined by using spectrophotometric techniques, then the antioxidant capacity of these extracts was examined using three methods, namely, the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method, the iron reduction method FRAP, and the ß-carotene bleaching method. The determination of the chemical composition of the extracts was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography-the photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). These extracts were also evaluated for their ability to inhibit the activity of the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme, as well as the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme, in vitro and in vivo, thus causing the reduction of blood glucose. The results of this study showed that high polyphenol and flavonoid contents were obtained in ethyl acetate extract with values of 60.34 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g and 25.842 ± 0.241 mg QE/g, respectively, compared to the aqueous extract. The results indicated that the aqueous extract had a higher condensed tannin content (3.070 ± 0.022 mg EC/g) than the ethyl acetate extract (0.987 ± 0.078 mg EC/g). Ethyl acetate extract showed good DPPH radical scavenging and iron reduction FRAP activity, with an IC50 of 0.167 ± 0.004 mg/mL and 0.923 ± 0.0283 mg/mL, respectively. The ß-carotene test indicated that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts were able to delay the decoloration of ß-carotene with an inhibition of 48.7% and 48.3%, respectively, which may mean that the extracts have antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid as major products in AQE and EAE, respectively. Indeed, this study showed that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts significantly inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase, in vitro. To confirm this result, the inhibitory effect of these plant extracts on the enzymes has been evaluated in vivo. Oral intake of the aqueous extract significantly attenuated starch- and sucrose-induced hyperglycemia in normal rats, and evidently, in STZ-diabetic rats as well. The ethyl acetate extract had no inhibitory activity against the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme in vivo. The antioxidant and the enzyme inhibitory effects may be related to the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid or their synergistic effect with the other compounds in the extracts.

Rumen fermentation, methane concentration, and blood metabolites of cattle receiving dietetical phytobiotic and cobalt (II) chloride.

Background and Aim: Ensuring the genetic potential of ruminants through nutrition studies using medicinal plants and trace element metals is an urgent task. This study aimed to study the effect of Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) herb plant separately and in combination with cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl2) chelate compounds on the course of metabolic processes in the rumen, methane concentration, and biochemical blood parameters in bulls. Materials and Methods: Control group (BD: Basal diet); experimental Group I - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg dry matter (DM), experimental Group II - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg DM + CoCl2 (1.5 mg/kg), and experimental Group III - BD + CoCl2 were set (1.5 mg/kg). The study was conducted on 16 beef bulls (Kazakh white-headed breed) aged 13-14 months, with an average live weight of 330-335 kg. Enzymatic processes in the rumen were studied, including the level of volatile fatty acids (using the gas chromatography method), nitrogen and its fractions (using the Kjeldahl method), methane concentration, and morphological and biochemical blood composition. Results: There was a decrease in the concentration of acetic acid in experimental group I (15.9%) (p < 0.05) and in the III group (60.3%) and propionic acid in all experimental groups by 5.6%-47.3% (p < 0.05). Feeding A. absinthium herb as part of the diet of experimental Group I contributed to a decrease in methane concentration by 17.8% (p = 0.05) and the lowest methane concentration was noted for experimental Group III. It was less than in control by 59.1% (p < 0.05). An increase in the concentration of glucose, total protein, and creatinine was found in the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The digestibility of organic matter (3.5%), crude fiber (3.6%), and hemicellulose (11.0%) increased with the feeding of A. absinthium herb. Conclusion: Thus, using biocomplexes based on A. absinthium herb and CoCl2 do not harm the rumen fermentation of cattle. Still, further microbiome studies are required to evaluate the effects of A. absinthium on cattle properly.

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles in Combination With Antibiotics Against Some Pathogenic Microbes.

The latest advances in green nanoparticle synthesis have preserved natural and non-renewable resources and decreased environmental pollution. The current study was designed to evaluate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated using aqueous extracts of two medicinal plants, Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Kaff Maryam) and Artemisia absinthium. The phytochemicals were detected by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The effects of the AgNPs on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans as well as the cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells were examined. The synergistic and antagonistic effects of the biogenic AgNPs in combination with standard antibiotics against several microbes were also investigated. The ability of the plant extracts to transfer silver ions to AgNPs was measured via dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, and transmission electron microscopy. The most sensitive microbes to AgNP treatment were examined via scanning electron microscopy to assess morphological changes. Biogenic AgNPs showed significant antibacterial effects against most of the tested microbes and significant cytotoxicity was noted. Polysaccharides, proteins and Phenolic compounds are likely involved in AgNP biosynthesis since hydroxyl groups and amides were detected via FTIR as well as GC-MS. This study confirmed that plant-based AgNP fabrication with AgNO3 as the Ag (I) delivering salt can be an economical and practical approach for large-scale production of particles with antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. The synergistic effects of biogenic AgNPs in combination with some antibiotics support their potential as a safe therapeutic for bacterial infections because they are capped with organic biomolecules.

Essential oils from Artemisia species inhibit biofilm formation and the virulence of Escherichia coli EPEC 2348/69.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli E2346/69 (EPEC) has caused foodborne outbreaks worldwide and the bacterium forms antimicrobial-tolerant biofilms. The anti-biofilm formation of various components of essential oils extracted from selected medicinal plants were investigated and tested on EPEC and wild strains of E. coli. Oils extracted from the family Asteraceae and their major common constituents at 0.031 and 0.062% (V/v) were found to significantly inhibit biofilm formation without affecting the growth of planktonic cells. In addition, three plants belonging to this family (Artemisia herba alba, Artemisia campestris and Artemisia absinthium) played important roles in the antimicrobial activity. Interestingly, their essential oils reduced the ability of E. coli (the EPEC and K12 strains) to form a biofilm. The crystal violet reduction assay showed that the plant extracts tested reduced biofilm formation with the inhibition of bacterial attachment up to 45% for EPEC and 70% for E. coli K-12 after 24 h treatment at 0.62 mg ml-1, demonstrating that Artemisia oils had a high anti-biofilm activity on the bacteria tested. The results indicate that the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) acquired by horizontal transfer promotes the formation of the attaching and effacing (A/E) lesion and increases the capacity of the photogen strain (EPEC) to form a biofilm. The chemical composition of the volatile compounds was obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, which showed that the essential oils consisted of thirty-four compounds. Chamazulene (39.21%), ß-pinene (32.07%), and α-thujone (29.39%) were the main constituents of the essential oils of A. herba alba, A. absinthium and A. campestris, respectively.

Phytochemical Profile, Safety Assessment and Wound Healing Activity of Artemisia absinthium L.

The aim of study was to validate, by in vitro and in vivo studies, the traditional use for wound-healing activity of Artemisia absinthium L. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS) analysis allowed to identify eleven polyphenols with chlorogenic acid as the most abundant compound (3.75 g/100 g of dry extract). After that, antibacterial activity as well as acute dermal and oral toxicity were assessed in animal models. In order to investigate the wound-healing activity of A. absinthium methanol extract, two ointments were formulated (MEO 5% and 10%). The ointment with the highest concentration of plant extract (10%) showed a statistically significant effect on the rats wound contraction, similar to that exerted by the reference drug Cicatryl-Bio. Moreover, A. absinthium methanol extract showed the best antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 (MIC 1.25-2.5 mg/mL) and the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (0.31-0.625 mg/mL). The absence of oral and topical toxicity of the treated animals allowed to establish the safety of the ointments. Overall, data collected in the present study support and validate the use of A. absinthium as a wound healing agent in the Algerian traditional medicine.

Methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium prompts apoptosis, enhancing expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cell cycle arrest, caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial membrane potential destruction in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells.

The Artemisia absinthium (AA), belongs to the Asteraceae family, is used as a therapeutic agent in traditional medicine in Iran. It is a rich source of biology-active compounds. However, the molecular mechanism of AA contributing to cell proliferation and apoptosis is still unknown. This study aims to assess the anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of A. absinthium (MEAA) against human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cell line. The cytotoxic effects of MEAA on HCT-116 cells was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. The expression levels of BAX and BCL-2 in HCT-116 cell line were examined by qRT-PCR. Annexin V/PI-flow cytometry technique was used to detect the cell cycle and apoptosis. MMP was predicted by Rhodamine 123 staining, and caspase 3 activity was analyzed by ELISA. Western blot method was performed to detect the expression level of BAX, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 proteins. The MTT test revealed MEAA reduced the viability of HCT-116 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of BAX increased, but those of BCL-2 decreased in MEAA-treated cells. MEAA also prompted cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis. After adding MEAA, the protein level and activity of caspase 3 and MMP destruction significantly increased. MEAA predominantly prompted apoptosis in HCT-116 cells by activating the mitochondrial pathway.