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Wormwood Leaf

Also known as: Wormwood, Absinthe wormwood, Sweet wormwood, Artemisia annua, Artemisia absinthium

Overview

Wormwood leaf refers primarily to the leaves of *Artemisia absinthium* (common wormwood) and *Artemisia annua* (sweet wormwood). These plants are traditionally recognized for their antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. *Artemisia absinthium* is particularly noted for its anthelmintic (anti-parasitic worm) activity, while *Artemisia annua* is a significant source of artemisinin, a potent antimalarial compound. As a supplement, wormwood is used for managing parasitic infections, inflammatory conditions, and metabolic disorders like diabetes. The research supporting its uses varies in maturity, with *A. annua* having extensive pharmacological research, including clinical trials, while *A. absinthium* has fewer but promising clinical studies. Evidence quality ranges from in vitro and animal studies to randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.

Benefits

Wormwood leaf offers several evidence-based benefits. Aqueous extracts of *A. absinthium* have demonstrated anthelmintic activity, effectively immobilizing and killing *Haemonchus contortus* worms in vitro at concentrations of 5-10 mg/mL, suggesting potential for parasitic control. *Artemisia annua*, particularly its artemisinin content, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, showing promise in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Artemisinin from *A. annua* is a well-established antimalarial agent, with whole leaf preparations showing enhanced bioavailability and efficacy compared to pure artemisinin. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that *Artemisia* extracts significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and improved glycemic control in diabetic patients. In a 10-week double-blind RCT, wormwood extract also showed a steroid-sparing effect in 40 Crohn’s disease patients, reducing the need for conventional steroid therapy and indicating its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential in inflammatory bowel disease.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for wormwood's antiparasitic effects, particularly artemisinin and related compounds, involves the generation of reactive oxygen species, which damage parasite proteins and membranes. Other phytochemicals present in wormwood can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2B6, CYP3A4), which may enhance artemisinin bioavailability and contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory actions are believed to stem from the modulation of immune responses and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Anthelmintic effects likely involve direct toxicity to parasites, leading to their immobilization and interference with their metabolic processes, ultimately causing their demise.

Side effects

Wormwood is generally well tolerated when consumed in controlled doses. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, or mild neurotoxicity, particularly with *A. absinthium* due to its thujone content. Rare but serious neurotoxic effects, such as seizures, have been reported with excessive or prolonged use of thujone-containing wormwood. Due to its potential to inhibit CYP450 enzymes, wormwood may interact with other drugs, affecting their metabolism. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects, which could induce uterine contractions. Individuals with epilepsy or liver disease should exercise special caution and consult a healthcare professional before using wormwood due to potential exacerbation of their conditions or adverse drug interactions.

Dosage

Effective dosages of wormwood vary significantly depending on the specific extract type, the *Artemisia* species used, and the intended therapeutic purpose. For in vitro anthelmintic activity, aqueous extracts of *A. absinthium* demonstrated efficacy at concentrations of 5-10 mg/mL. Clinical trials for Crohn’s disease have utilized standardized wormwood extracts over a 10-week period, though specific dosing details were not provided in the summary. Studies investigating glycemic control in diabetic patients have employed various *Artemisia* extracts, and while a meta-analysis suggests benefits, optimal dosing requires further standardization. It is important to note that whole leaf preparations of *A. annua* have shown enhanced bioavailability compared to isolated artemisinin, suggesting that the synergistic effects of compounds in the whole plant may be beneficial. Due to potential neurotoxicity from thujone, especially in *A. absinthium*, it is crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and avoid prolonged high-dose use. Upper limits and safety thresholds are not universally established and should be determined under professional guidance.

FAQs

Is wormwood safe for long-term use?

Limited data exists on the long-term safety of wormwood. Caution is advised due to potential neurotoxicity, especially from thujone in *A. absinthium*, at high or prolonged doses.

Does wormwood work better as whole leaf or isolated compounds?

Research suggests whole leaf extracts, particularly from *A. annua*, show superior bioavailability and efficacy compared to isolated compounds due to synergistic phytochemicals.

Can wormwood replace conventional drugs?

Wormwood is not currently recommended as a replacement for conventional drugs. It may serve as an adjunctive therapy, particularly for inflammatory and parasitic conditions, under medical supervision.

How quickly do benefits appear?

In a study on Crohn’s disease, steroid-sparing effects and improved symptom control were observed within 10 weeks of wormwood extract supplementation.

Research Sources

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-84656-x – This in vitro study demonstrated that aqueous extracts of *Artemisia absinthium* at concentrations of 5-10 mg/mL effectively immobilized and killed *Haemonchus contortus* worms, showing statistically significant anthelmintic activity. The findings suggest potential for wormwood as a natural antiparasitic agent, though further in vivo and clinical research is needed.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12108174/ – This review, including animal studies, highlighted that whole *Artemisia annua* leaves significantly increase artemisinin bioavailability by 45-fold compared to pure artemisinin in mice models. It also noted enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that the synergistic compounds in whole leaf preparations contribute to superior therapeutic outcomes.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Steroid-sparing-effect-of-wormwood-(Artemisia-in-a-Omer-Krebs/b257c77208f030d2a930fb788470fed71f893b5c – A double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 40 Crohn’s disease patients over 10 weeks found that wormwood extract reduced the need for steroids and improved symptom control. This study provides moderate-quality evidence for the steroid-sparing and anti-inflammatory potential of wormwood in managing Crohn's disease.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijcp.14719 – This high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that supplementation with *Artemisia* extracts significantly improved glycemic control, including a decrease in fasting blood glucose, in diabetic patients. The study supports the metabolic benefits of *Artemisia* but notes heterogeneity in extracts and doses across studies.