Artemisia Argyi Leaf Extract
Also known as: Artemisia argyi, Chinese mugwort, silvery wormwood, Artemisia argyi leaf extract, Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant.
Overview
Artemisia argyi leaf extract is derived from the leaves of Artemisia argyi, a plant widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. This herbal extract is rich in essential oils and various phytochemicals, which are believed to contribute to its reported physiological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic effects. Current research primarily investigates its potential benefits in glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and antiviral activity. While some systematic reviews and animal studies suggest promising effects, human clinical evidence for Artemisia argyi is still limited and considered preliminary. It is typically consumed as a herbal supplement, with its traditional uses guiding much of the current scientific inquiry into its therapeutic potential.
Benefits
Artemisia argyi leaf extract shows potential benefits across several health areas, though the strength of evidence varies. For glycemic control, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated that Artemisia extract significantly reduced insulin resistance, as measured by HOMA-IR (mean difference -0.734; 95% CI: -1.236 to -0.232; p=0.019). However, it did not significantly impact fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, or HbA1c in patients with impaired glycemic control, suggesting a specific effect on insulin sensitivity rather than overall glucose lowering. In terms of lipid metabolism, an animal study demonstrated that essential oil from Artemisia argyi leaf reduced body weight gain and improved jejunal villus height in mice fed a high-fat diet, pointing to beneficial effects on fat metabolism and gut health. Additionally, recent in vitro research suggests that Artemisia argyi extracts and certain phytochemicals can inhibit SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, although the clinical relevance and efficacy in humans are yet to be established.
How it works
The mechanisms by which Artemisia argyi leaf extract exerts its effects are still being elucidated. Its potential anti-diabetic effect is thought to be mediated by modulating insulin signaling pathways, thereby improving insulin sensitivity, which is reflected in the observed reduction of HOMA-IR. The beneficial effects on lipid metabolism may involve the modulation of gut microbiota and improvements in intestinal morphology, as suggested by increased villus height in animal studies. The antiviral properties are likely due to the phytochemicals present in the extract interfering with viral entry or replication processes, although the specific molecular targets and pathways require further investigation. The extract contains essential oils and flavonoids, which are key bioactive compounds contributing to its overall physiological activities. However, detailed data on its absorption and bioavailability in the human body are currently limited.
Side effects
Safety data for Artemisia argyi leaf extract in humans are currently sparse. While no significant adverse effects were reported in the limited human trials or animal studies reviewed, this does not definitively establish its long-term safety. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but formal toxicology studies and comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully characterize its safety profile. Potential drug interactions with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or other supplements have not been well characterized, and individuals on medication should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Contraindications, such as use during pregnancy, lactation, or in specific medical conditions, are also not well-defined. Due to the lack of extensive human safety data, it is advisable to approach its use with caution, especially for vulnerable populations or those with pre-existing health conditions.
Dosage
Optimal dosing guidelines for Artemisia argyi leaf extract are not well-established due to a lack of standardized preparations and limited clinical trials. The human studies on glycemic control did not specify the exact doses of Artemisia extract used, making it difficult to derive precise recommendations. Animal studies have utilized graded doses of essential oil, with observed effects typically occurring at higher concentrations. Currently, there is no established maximum safe dose or specific timing recommendations for its consumption. The form of the extract (e.g., essential oil, aqueous extract) and its absorption characteristics can also influence efficacy, but these factors are not yet fully understood. Until more robust clinical data become available, users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional regarding appropriate dosage.
FAQs
Is Artemisia argyi effective for diabetes?
It may improve insulin resistance, as shown by a reduction in HOMA-IR, but current evidence is insufficient to confirm its effectiveness in significantly lowering fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, or HbA1c.
Can it help with weight loss?
Animal studies suggest potential benefits on lipid metabolism and body weight under high-fat diet conditions, but these findings have not yet been replicated or confirmed in human clinical trials.
Is Artemisia argyi leaf extract safe to use?
Limited human data suggest good tolerability in short-term use, but comprehensive safety studies, including long-term effects and potential drug interactions, are still needed to fully assess its safety profile.
Can it prevent or treat COVID-19?
In vitro studies have shown that Artemisia argyi extracts can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, but this is laboratory research, and its clinical efficacy or relevance for preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans is currently unproven.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34390100/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of Artemisia extract on glycemic control in humans. It found a significant reduction in HOMA-IR, indicating improved insulin resistance, but no significant changes in fasting glucose, insulin, or HbA1c. The study highlighted heterogeneity in extract types and doses as a limitation, with moderate quality evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9670120/ – This controlled animal study evaluated the effects of Artemisia argyi essential oil on lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. The researchers observed reduced weight gain and improved intestinal morphology, specifically increased jejunal villus height. While promising, the study's limitations include its animal model and the need for human data to confirm these findings.
- https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230116/Artemisia-argyi-plant-extracts-and-phytochemicals-shown-to-inhibi-SARS-CoV-2-in-new-research.aspx – This source discusses recent in vitro research demonstrating that Artemisia argyi extracts and its phytochemicals can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. It emphasizes that while these findings are significant for understanding potential antiviral properties, clinical trials are necessary to determine its relevance and efficacy for human treatment of COVID-19.
