Leaves: (Mugwort) Artemisia vulgaris

Question 1

Bioactives of Mugwort

Answer 1

sesquiterpenoid lactones
coumarins
flavanoids
phenolic acids

Question 2

What are the effects on skin?

Answer 2

*antibacterial
*antifungal
*antioxidant
*bacterial ferment products

Question 3

Clinical applications of mugwort

Answer 3

*acne
*eczema/sensitivity
*sebum control
*UV protection
*perfumery

Question 4

What are the adverse effects?

Answer 4

*A.vulgaris well tolerated
*allergenicity of A.annua pollen
*toxicity for A.absinthium

Question 5

How does mugwort help to reduce inflammation?

Answer 5

Mugwort helps regulate the activation of immune cells by targeting cytokine and macrophages in inflamed tissues. Cytokines are responsible for activating the growth rate of skin cells. Mugwort helps to reduce the production levels of specific proinflammatory cytokines, hence keeping inflammation under control and inhibiting excessive cell growth.

Question 6

How does mugwort work as an antioxidant?

Answer 6

*limit oxidative stress by scavenging the free radicals caused by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body from UV rays.
*activate the defence enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. *mouse- and cell-based trials show that mugwort helps prevent damage caused by ultraviolet rays, as well as stimulates collagen, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
*plant-derived antioxidants can protect the human body with little or no side effects.