Is Artemisia (black wormwood) effective against parasites?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 7, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.

From the Research

Effectiveness of Artemisia against Parasites

  • The effectiveness of Artemisia (black wormwood) against parasites is a topic of ongoing research, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others indicating limitations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • A study published in 2016 found that an ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium showed in vitro efficacy against Leishmania major, with a lethal concentration (LC50) of 101 mg/ml 2.
  • However, another study published in 2021 found that Artemisia annua and artemisinins were ineffective against human Babesia microti and six Candida species 3.
  • A review published in 2017 discussed the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating protozoan infections beyond malaria, including Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Toxoplasma gondii 4.
  • A study published in 2012 found that dried whole plant Artemisia annua was effective as an antimalarial therapy, with a single dose reducing parasitemia more effectively than a comparable dose of pure artemisinin 5.

Key Findings

  • Artemisia absinthium extract showed potential against Leishmania major, but high concentrations were required to achieve an anti-parasitic effect 2.
  • Artemisia annua and artemisinins were ineffective against Babesia microti and Candida species, highlighting the importance of further research into the efficacy of these compounds against different parasites 3.
  • Artemisinin and its derivatives may have potential as alternatives for treating non-malarial protozoan infections, but more studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety 4.
  • Dried whole plant Artemisia annua may offer a cost-effective and synergistic approach to antimalarial therapy, with potential benefits for bioavailability and efficacy 5.

Parasites and Artemisia

  • Leishmania major: Artemisia absinthium extract showed in vitro efficacy against this parasite, with a lethal concentration (LC50) of 101 mg/ml 2.
  • Babesia microti: Artemisia annua and artemisinins were ineffective against this parasite 3.
  • Candida species: Artemisia annua and artemisinins were ineffective against six species of Candida 3.
  • Plasmodium chabaudi: Dried whole plant Artemisia annua reduced parasitemia more effectively than a comparable dose of pure artemisinin in a rodent malaria model 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.