Artemisia annua leaf

Artemisia annua leaf is the dried or fresh foliage of the Artemisia annua plant. It has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fevers and malaria[1][3][5]. The primary active compound is artemisinin—a sesquiterpene lactone with a characteristic peroxide bridge—responsible for its potent antimalarial effects[6]. Artemisinin acts by generating free radicals that damage malaria parasites (Plasmodium species) through cleavage of its endoperoxide bond[3]. The whole leaf contains additional compounds such as flavonoids and terpenes that may enhance bioavailability and efficacy compared to isolated artemisinin[5]. Beyond malaria, extracts have shown anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer activities in preclinical studies; however clinical evidence outside malaria remains limited[2][4][8]. Dried-leaf preparations are available as dietary supplements.

Other names

Artemisia annuaannual mugwortannual wormwoodHuang hua haoQing haosweet Anniesweet sagewortsweet wormwood