European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF ARTEMISIA VULGARIS

G. Neelamma*, B. Durai Swamy, P. Dhamodaran and B. Vanitha

ABSTRACT

Artemisia vulgaris is a perenial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. Synonyms: Absinthium spicatum. Artemisia affinis. Artemisia coarctata. Artemisia officinalis. eaves - raw or cooked. Aromatic and somewhat bitter. Their addition to the diet aids the digestion and so they are often used in small quantities as a flavouring, especially with fatty foods. They are also used to give colour and flavour to glutinous-rice dumplings. The young shoots are used in spring. In Japan the young leaves are used as a potherb. The dried leaves and flowering tops are steeped into tea. They have also been used as a flavouring in beer, though fell into virtual disuse once hops came into favour. It is used as Anticonvulsant; Antidepressant; Antiemetic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Appetizer; Carminative; Cholagogue; Diaphoretic; Digestive; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Foot care; Haemostatic; Nervine; Purgative; Stimulant; Tonic; Women's complaints.

Keywords: Perenial, Hermaphrodite, Glutinous-rice dumplings, Appetizer Cholagogue Emmenagogue etc.