Artemisia capillaris, commonly known as capillary wormwood or yin chen hao in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a perennial herb widely recognized for its slender, feathery leaves and aromatic properties. Native to East Asia, this plant is highly valued for its medicinal applications, particularly for supporting liver health, promoting detoxification, and managing inflammatory conditions. It is a component in herbal remedies for jaundice and digestive disorders.
Botanical Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Artemisia
- Species: Artemisia capillaris
Artemisia capillaris is a hardy, perennial herb that grows to a height of 30–100 cm. It has finely divided, thread-like leaves that give it a delicate, feathery appearance. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers that bloom in clusters during late summer and autumn. The aromatic nature of the plant makes it recognizable, and it thrives in a variety of environments, from sandy soils to grasslands.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The therapeutic properties of Artemisia capillaris are attributed to its bioactive compounds, which include:
Flavonoids: Such as scoparone and isoscoparin, known for their anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects.
Essential Oils: Rich in compounds like capillarisin and artemisin, which contribute to its aromatic and antimicrobial properties.
Coumarins: Including esculetin and scoparone, which help support liver function and have antioxidant effects.
Polysaccharides: These support immune function and contribute to the plant’s detoxifying properties.
Phenolic Compounds: Known for their antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress and protect cellular health.
How to Cultivate Artemisia capillaris
Cultivating Artemisia capillaris is relatively straightforward due to its adaptability:
Climate: Thrives in temperate climates with full sun or partial shade. It is drought-resistant and tolerant of various weather conditions.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with moderate fertility. It is tolerant of poorer soils and can grow in alkaline conditions.
Propagation: Propagated by seeds or root divisions. Seeds should be sown in spring, and root divisions can be performed in early autumn or spring.
Watering and Maintenance: Requires minimal watering once established. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Occasional pruning encourages healthy growth and flowering.
Harvesting: The aerial parts of the plant, including leaves and stems, are harvested in summer before flowering for medicinal use. They are typically dried and processed for teas, tinctures, and extracts.
Uses and Benefits
Artemisia capillaris is widely used in TCM and other traditional medicinal systems for its numerous health benefits:
Liver Support: Known for its hepatoprotective properties, it is traditionally used to treat liver conditions such as jaundice and hepatitis, promoting detoxification and bile secretion.
Digestive Health: Often used to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and other gastrointestinal discomforts, helping to improve overall digestion.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The flavonoids and coumarins in the plant help reduce inflammation, particularly in the liver and digestive tract.
Antioxidant Properties: Its phenolic compounds help combat oxidative stress, supporting cellular health and overall wellness.
Antimicrobial and Antiviral: The essential oils have been studied for their potential antimicrobial and antiviral effects, making the plant useful for preventing infections.
Applications
Medical: Artemisia capillaris is a staple in TCM, often included in formulations for liver health, detoxification, and the treatment of jaundice. It is commonly prepared as a decoction, tea, or extract.
Cosmetic: Extracts from the plant are occasionally used in skincare products for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
CAS 223747-93-1
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Artemisia capillaris is generally safe when used as directed in traditional practices. However, excessive use can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its bitter compounds. Sustainable harvesting practices are recommended to preserve wild populations and ensure long-term availability. The plant is not invasive and is easy to grow in controlled environments, making it an environmentally friendly choice for cultivation. As with any botanical product, individuals with allergies or sensitivities should test for tolerance before extensive use.
References__________________________________________________________________________
Kim J, Jung KH, Yan HH, Cheon MJ, Kang S, Jin X, Park S, Oh MS, Hong SS. Artemisia Capillaris leaves inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 May 8;18(1):147. doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2217-6.
Abstract. Background: Natural product is one of the most important sources of drugs used in pharmaceutical therapeutics. Artemisia capillaris has been traditionally used as a hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, we extracted an ethanol fraction (LAC117) from the dried leaves of Artemisia capillaris and identified its anticancer activity and mechanism of action against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conclusions: The present study highlights that LAC117 could not only efficiently induce apoptosis, but also inhibit the growth of human HCC cells by blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that LAC117 would be a potentially useful drug candidate against HCC.
dela Peña IJ, Hong E, Kim HJ, de la Peña JB, Woo TS, Lee YS, Cheong JH. Artemisia capillaris Thunberg Produces Sedative-Hypnotic Effects in Mice, Which are Probably Mediated Through Potentiation of the GABAA Receptor. Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(4):667-79. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X1550041X.
Abstract. The Artemisia group of plants has long been used as a traditional remedy for various conditions. The present study assessed the sleep-promoting (sedative-hypnotic) effects of Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (A. capillaris), and elucidated a possible mechanism behind its effect. ICR mice were given A. capillaris extract (oral) at different dosages (50, 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg), distilled water (oral; control), or diazepam (intraperitoneal; reference drug). One hour after administration, locomotion (open-field test) and motor coordination (rota-rod test) were assessed. The extract's effect on pentobarbital-induced sleep was also evaluated. Additionally, electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were measured in rats. To evaluate a possible mechanism behind its effects, changes in chloride ( Cl (-)) ion influx were measured in human neuroblastoma cells. As compared to the control group, mice treated with A. capillaris demonstrated significantly decreased locomotor activity and impaired motor balance and coordination. The extract also shortened the onset and lengthened the duration of sleep induced by pentobarbital sodium. These effects were comparable to that induced by diazepam. Furthermore, A. capillaris-treated rats showed increased delta and decreased alpha EEG waves; an electroencephalographic pattern indicative of relaxation or sedation. In neuroblastoma cells, the extract dose-dependently increased Cl (-) ion influx, which was blocked by co-administration of bicuculline, a GABAA receptor competitive antagonist, suggesting that its effects are mediated through the GABAA receptor- Cl (-) ion channel complex. Altogether, the results of the present study demonstrate that A. capillaris possesses potent sedative-hypnotic effects, which are probably mediated through potentiation of the GABAA receptor- Cl (-) ion channel complex.
Lee SH, Lee JY, Kwon YI, Jang HD. Anti-Osteoclastic Activity of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Extract Depends upon Attenuation of Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption-Associated Acidification Due to Chlorogenic Acid, Hyperoside, and Scoparone. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Feb 4;18(2):322. doi: 10.3390/ijms18020322.
Abstract. The present study attempts to elucidate the anti-osteoporotic activity of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. in the form of anti-osteoclastic effect and responsible bioactive compounds. The contents of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, isochlorogenic acid A, and scoparone in Artemisia capillaris hydroethanolic extract (ACHE) were 38.53, 0.52, 4.07, 3.03, 13.90, and 6.59 mg/g, respectively. ACHE diminished osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption due to chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and scoparone. In addition, ACHE attenuated acidification as well as reducing tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression and its association with vacuolar H⁺-adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase). Furthermore, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and scoparone from A. capillaris abrogated the association of V-ATPase with TRAF6, suggesting that the blockage of bone resorption by A. capillaris was partially mediated by reducing acidification through down-regulating interaction of V-ATPase with TRAF6 due to scoparone as well as chlorogenic acid and hyperoside. These results imply that the anti-osteoclastic effect of A. capillaris through down-regulating osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption may contribute to its anti-osteoporotic effect.
Ha H, Lee H, Seo CS, Lim HS, Lee JK, Lee MY, Shin H. Artemisia capillaris inhibits atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in Dermatophagoides farinae-sensitized Nc/Nga mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Mar 14;14:100. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-100.
Abstract. Background: Artemisia capillaries Thunb. (AC) has been used to treat inflammatory and hepatic disorders such as hepatic injury, hepatic fibrosis and hepatitis. However, the efficacy of AC against atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory disease, has not been examined. In the present study, AC was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and anti-AD effects using both in vitro and in vivo systems.....Conclusions: Our results suggest that AC should be explored as a potential therapeutic agent to treat atopic dermatitis and analysis by HPLC will help to improve the quality of AC.
Ekiert H, Klimek-Szczykutowicz M, Rzepiela A, Klin P, Szopa A. Artemisia Species with High Biological Values as a Potential Source of Medicinal and Cosmetic Raw Materials. Molecules. 2022 Sep 29;27(19):6427. doi: 10.3390/molecules27196427.
Abstract. 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.
Chen Y, Zhang S, Qu L. The protective effect of Artemisia Capillaris Thunb. Extract against UVB-induced apoptosis and inflammation through inhibiting the cGAS/STING pathway. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2024 Sep;258:112989. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112989.
Artemisia capillaris 
