Artemisia: A Medicinally Important Genus

Abstract

The word ‘Artemisia’ comes from the ancient Greek word: ‘Artemis’=The Goddess (the Greek Queen Artemisia) and ‘absinthium’ = Unenjoyable or without sweetness comprises 400 species (~474) revered as ‘Worm wood’, ‘Mug word’, ‘Sagebrush’ or ‘Tarragon’ [1-2]. In the ancient time, the knowledge of herbal medicines were confined by a tribal community, practiced villagers, and priests but in the modern era, the popularity and faith in the bioactive containing herbal drugs have become widespread. Although, several synthetic drugs are available in market to treat various diseases and disorders but, they have side-effects. On the other hand, there is an increasing demand of the herbal medicines, scientist and pharmaceutical industries investigating phytochemical as they are safe, effective, cost effective, eco-friendly and free from deleterious effects without any side effects. Artemisia genus provides a promising cure for various diseases by containing antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Therefore, Artemisia genus prompted us to compile a review on the secondary metabolites and several phytochemical compounds characterized in its different species.