Potential of Artemisia annua hydroalcoholic extracts in skin care and dermatocosmetic products
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha53414788Keywords:
bioactive compounds, emulsion, liquid - solid extraction, Romania native flora, vegetal extractAbstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of plant extracts derived from the native flora of Iasi region, Romania as valuable natural sources of polyphenols and flavonoids for the development of dermatocosmetic formulations aimed at protecting the skin against oxidative stress. Dried Artemisia annua L. samples were used for extracted using three techniques: classical cold maceration (M), heat reflux extraction (R), and Soxhlet heat reflux extraction (Sx). Spectrophotometric analyses were performed to determine the total polyphenol and flavonoid content and to assess the antioxidant capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays. Among the tested methods, heat reflux and Soxhlet extraction proved to be the most efficient, yielding extracts rich in bioactive compounds when using 50% ethanol as solvent and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:5. Soxhlet extraction provided the highest total polyphenol content (11.26 mg GAE/mL), while heat reflux extraction resulted in the highest flavonoid concentration (7.97 mg QE/mL). Subsequently, an emulsion containing the most active extract in polyphenols was formulated and subjected to a preliminary evaluation of physicochemical stability. The results demonstrated encouraging stability profiles and antioxidant potential, supporting the use of A. annua extracts as promising ingredients in dermatocosmetic applications. Further investigations, including comprehensive cytotoxicity and dermatological testing, are warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety in topical formulations.
References
Acquaviva A, Nilofar, Bouyahya A, Zengin G, Di Simone SC, Recinella L, … Chiavaroli A (2023). Chemical characterization of different extracts from Artemisia annua and their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and anti‐inflammatory properties. Chemistry & Biodiversity 20(8):e202300547. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202300547
Ahmad I, Ali R, dos Santos Lopes MJ, Steinmetz CHD, Haq FU (2022). Artemisia annua L. and its derivatives: Their antiviral effects on COVID-19 and possible mechanisms. Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology 7(1):54-58. https://doi.org/10.14218/jerp.2021.00034
Allemailen KS (2022) Aqueous extract of Artemisia annua shows in vitro antimicrobial activity and an in vivo chemopreventive effect in a small-cell lung cancer model. Plants 11(23):3341. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233341
Ashraf K, Tajeri S, Arnold CS, Amanzougaghene N, Franetich JF, Vantaux A, ... Mazier D (2022). Artemisinin-independent inhibitory activity of Artemisia sp. infusions against different Plasmodium stages including relapse-causing hypnozoites. Life Science Alliance 5(3):e202101237. https://doi.org/10.26508/lsa.202101237
Banca de Resurse Genetice Vegetale (BRGV). (n.d.). Specii de Artemisia endemice și în curs de aclimatizare la BRGV Buzău. https://brgv.ro/specii-de-artemisia-endemice-si-in-curs-de-aclimatizare-la-brgv-buzau/
Babacan Ü, Cengiz MF, Bouali M, Tongur T, Mutlu SS, Gülmez E (2022) Determination, solvent extraction, and purification of artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 28:100363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2021.100363
Baggieri M, Gioacchini S, Borgonovo G, Catinella G, Marchi A, Picone P, …. Magurano F (2023). Antiviral, virucidal and antioxidant properties of Artemisia annua against SARS-CoV-2. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 168:115682. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115682
Chen H, Hu Q, Wen T, Luo L, Liu L, Wang L, Shen X (2024). Arteannuin B, a sesquiterpene lactone from Artemisia annua, attenuates inflammatory response by inhibiting the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBE2D3-mediated NF-κB activation. Phytomedicine 124:155263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155263
Chukwurah PN, Brisibe EA, Osuagwu AN, Okoko T (2014) Protective capacity of Artemisia annua as a potent antioxidant remedy against free radical damage. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 4:S92-S98. https://doi.org/10.12980/apjtb.4.2014c731
Ciftici ON, Cahyadi J, Guigard SE, Saldaña MDA (2018) Optimization of artemisinin extraction from Artemisia annua L. with supercritical carbon dioxide + ethanol using response surface methodology. Electrophoresis 39(15):1926-1933. https://doi.org/10.1002/elps.201800084
Das S (2012). Artemisia annua (Qinghao): A pharmacological review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 3(12):4573-4577. http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.3(12).4573-77
Delabays N, Simonnet X, Gaudin MDAD (2001). The genetics of artemisinin content in Artemisia annua L. and the breeding of high yielding cultivars. Current Medicinal Chemistry 8(15):1795-1801. https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867013371635
Dharsono AD, Setyowatie L (2022) The role of Artemisia in acne vulgaris: A review. Jurnal Klinik dan Riset Kesehatan 2(1):228-234. https://doi.org/10.11594/jk-risk.02.1.4
Dobreva AM, Dincheva IN, Nenov NS, Trendafilova AB (2022) Chemical characterization of Artemisia annua L. subcritical extract. Bulgarian Chemical Communications 54(1):43-48. https://doi.org/10.34049/bcc.54.1.MAEP01
Donato R, Santomauro F, Bilia AR, Flamini G, Sacco C (2015). Antibacterial activity of Tuscan Artemisia annua essential oil and its major components against some foodborne pathogens. LWT-Food Science and Technology 64(2):1251-1254. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2015.07.014
Efferth T, Oesch F (2021). The immunosuppressive activity of artemisinin‐type drugs towards inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Medicinal research reviews 41(6):3023-3061. https://doi.org/10.1002/med.21842
Efferth T, Zacchino S, Georgiev MI, Liu L, Wagner H, Panossian A (2015). Nobel Prize for artemisinin brings phytotherapy into the spotlight. Phytomedicine 22(13):A1-A3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.003
Ejembi SA, Johnson TO, Dabak JD, Akinsanmi AO, Oche JRI, Francis T (2021). Analysis of the oxidative stress inhibition potentials of Artemisia annua and its bioactive compounds through in vitro and in silico studies. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources. 18(3):245-259. https://doi.org/10.4314/jpb.v18i3.9
Ekiert H, Świątkowska J, Klin P, Rzepiela A, Szopa A (2021). Artemisia annua–importance in traditional medicine and current state of knowledge on the chemistry, biological activity and possible applications. Planta Medica 87(08):584-599. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1345-9528
Ekiert H, Klimek-Szczykutowicz M, Rzepiela A, Klin P, Szopa A (2022). Artemisia species with high biological values as a potential source of medicinal and cosmetic raw materials. Molecules 27(19):6427. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196427
European Commission CosIng. (2020). CosIng - Cosmetics database. European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/cosmetics/cosing_en
Feng X, Cao S, Qiu F, Zhang B (2020). Traditional application and modern pharmacological research of Artemisia annua L. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 216:107650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107650
Ferreira JF, Luthria DL, Sasaki T, Heyerick A (2010). Flavonoids from Artemisia annua L. as antioxidants and their potential synergism with artemisinin against malaria and cancer. Molecules 15(5):3135-3170. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules15053135
Fu C, Zhang K, Wang M, Qiu F (2022). Casticin and chrysosplenol D from Artemisia annua L. induce apoptosis by inhibiting topoisomerase IIα in human non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Phytomedicine 100:154095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154095
Gavarić N, Aćimović M, Kladar N, Hitl M, Drljača LJ, Milić N, Radovanović K (2025). Unlocking the bioactivity of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L., Asteraceae) ethanolic extract: Phenolics, antioxidants, and cytotoxic effects. Pharmaceutics 17(7):890. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070890
Han X, Chen Z, Yuan J, Wang G, Han X, Wu H, …. Wu X (2022) Artemisia annua water extract attenuates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis by restraining Th2 cell mediated inflammatory responses in BALB/c mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 291:115160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115160
Hu YT, Ting Y, Hu JY, Hsieh SC (2017) Techniques and methods to study functional characteristics of emulsion systems. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis 25(1):16-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2016.10.021
Ilina T, Skowronska W, Kashpur N, Granica S, Bazylko A, Kovalyova A, .... Koshovyi O (2020) Immunomodulatory activity and phytochemical profile of infusions from cleavers herb. Molecules 25:3721. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25163721
Ivănescu B, Vlase L, Corciova A, Lazar M I (2011). Artemisinin evaluation in Romanian Artemisia annua wild plants using a new HPLC/MS method. Natural Product Research 25(7):716-722. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410903169847
Kim KM, Oh HM, Lee JH (2020) Controlling the emulsion stability of cosmetics through shear mixing process. Korea-Australia Rheology Journal 32:243-249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13367-020-0023-4
Lang S, Schmiech M, Hafner S, Paetz C, Schmidt CQ, Syrovets T, Simmet T (2019). Constituents of Artemisia annua dietary supplements induce ROS elevation, ERK activation, and apoptosis in treatment‐resistant triple negative human breast cancer cells. The FASEB Journal 33(S1):816. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.816.6
Lang SJ, Schmiech M, Hafner S, Paetz C, Werner K, El Gaafary M, …. Simmet T (2020). Chrysosplenol d, a flavonol from Artemisia annua, induces ERK1/2-mediated apoptosis in triple negative human breast cancer cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21(11):4090. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21114090
Laughlin JC (1994). Agricultural production of artemisinin - a review. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 88:21-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/0035-9203(94)90465-0
Long Z, Xiang W, Xiao W, Min Y, Qu F, Zhang B, Zeng L (2024) Advances in the study of artemisinin and its derivatives for the treatment of rheumatic skeletal disorders, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders: a comprehensive review. Frontiers in Immunology 15:1432625. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1432625
Luca SV, Kulinowski L, Ciobanu C, Zengin G, Czerwinska ME, Granica S, … Trifan A (2022). Phytochemical and multi-biological characterization of two Cynara scolymus L. varieties: A glance into their potential large scale cultivation and valorization as bio-functional ingredients. Industrial Crops Production 178:114623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114623
Mahmood T, Akhtar N (2013) Stability of a cosmetic multiple emulsion loaded with green tea extract. The Scientific World Journal 2013:153695. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/153695
Mannan A, Ahmed I, Arshad W, Asim MF, Qureshi RA, Hussain I, Mirza B (2010). Survey of artemisinin production by diverse Artemisia species in northern Pakistan. Malaria Journal 9:310. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-9-310
Marinas IC, Oprea E, Chifiriuc MC, Badea IA, Buleandra M, Lazar V (2015). Chemical composition and antipathogenic activity of Artemisia annua essential oil from Romania. Chemistry & Biodiversity 12(10):1554-1564. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201400340
Maxim C, Blaga AC, Cimpoeșu R, Zinicovscaia I, Peshkova A, Danu M, … Suteu D (2024a). Natural antioxidants from Acmella oleracea extract as dermatocosmetic actives. Scientia Pharmaceutica 92(3):52. https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm92030052
Maxim C, Turcov D, Trifan A, Suteu D, Barna AS (2024b) Preliminary characterization of the phytoextracts from Acmella oleracea with therapeutic potential and applicability in active cosmetics. Scientific Study & Research/ Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Industry 25(2):1679-172, https://doi.org/10.29081/ChIBA.2024.596
Mesa LE, Lutgen P, Velez ID, Segura AM, Robledo SM (2015). Artemisia annua L., potential source of molecules with pharmacological activity in human diseases. American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics 3(5):436-450.
Minda D, Ghiulai R, Banciu CD, Pavel IZ, Danciu C, Racoviceanu R, … Avram S (2022). Phytochemical profile, antioxidant and wound healing potential of three Artemisia species: in vitro and in ovo evaluation. Applied Sciences 12(3):1359. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031359
Misra H, Mehta D, Mehta BK, Jain DC (2013) Microwave-assisted extraction studies of target analyte Artemisinin from dried leaves. Organic Chemistry International 1:163028. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/163028
Nageeb A, Al-Tawashi A, Mohammad Emwas AH, Abdel-Halim Al-Talla Z, Al-Rifai N (2013). Comparison of Artemisia annua bioactivities between traditional medicine and chemical extracts. Current Bioactive Compounds 9(4):324- 332. https://doi.org/10.2174/157340720904140404151439
Oh YC, Jeong YH, Kim T, Cho WK, Ma JY (2014) Anti-inflammatory effect of Artemisiae annua herba in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells. Pharmacognosy Magazine 10(Suppl3):S588-S595. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.139793
Orosco FL (2023) Current advances in antiviral potential of Artemisia against major viral infections. Journal of Bacteriology and Virology 53(2):61-73. https://doi.org/10.4167/jbv.2023.53.2.061
Pavun L, Ðikanovic P, Jelikic-Stankov M, Ðurdevic D, Uskokovic-Markovic S (2018). Determination of flavonoids and total polyphenol contents in commercial apple juices. Czech Jornal of Food Science 36:233-238. https://doi.org/10.17221/211/2017-CJFS
Perez E, Tao K, Guo L, Fernandez J, Webb C, Liu J, ... Yang D (2021). Artemisia Naphta: A novel oil extract for sensitive and acne prone skin. Annals of Dermatological Research 5(1):022-029. https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.adr.1001018
Prawang P, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Wang H (2019) Ultrasonic assisted extraction of Artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. using poly(ethylene glycol): Toward a greener process. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 58(39):18320-18328. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.9b03305
Santomauro F, Donato R, Sacco C, Pini G, Flamini G, Bilia AR (2016). Vapour and liquid-phase Artemisia annua essential oil activities against several clinical strains of Candida. Planta Medica 82(11/12):1016-1020. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-108740
Segneanu AE, Marin CN, Ghirlea IOF, Feier CVI, Muntean C, Grozescu I (2021). Artemisia annua growing wild in Romania - A metabolite profile approach to target a drug delivery system based on magnetite nanoparticles. Plants 10(11):2245. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112245
Septembre-Malaterre A, Lalarizo Rakoto M, Marodon C, Bedoui Y, Nakab J, Simon E, … Gasque P (2020). Artemisia annua, a traditional plant brought to light. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21(14):4986. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21144986
Shi Q, Xia F, Wang Q, Liao F, Guo Q, Xu C, Wang J (2022). Discovery and repurposing of artemisinin. Frontiers of Medicine 16(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-021-0898-6
Sarbu C, Oprea AA (2011) New records in the alien flora of Romania (Artemisia argyi, A. lavandulaefolia) and Europe (A. lancea). Turkish Journal of Botany 35 (6):717-728. https://doi.org/10.3906/bot-1007-4
Skowyra M, Gallego MG, Segovia F, Almajano MP (2014). Antioxidant properties of Artemisia annua extracts in model food emulsions. Antioxidants 3(1):116-128. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox3010116
Stan RL, Sevastre B, Hangan AC, Bota SR, Hanganu D, Ionescu C, … Vicaș LG (2019). Chemical characterization of Artemisia annua L. extract assessment of antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. toxicity studies. Revista de Chimie 70(6):1903-1907. https://doi.org/10.37358/RC.19.6.7243
Țicolea M, Pop RM, Pârvu M, Usatiuc LO, Uifălean A, Pop DD, ... Pârvu AE (2025). Flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium and Artemisia annua phytochemical characterization, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative, activities evaluation. Plants 14(7):1029. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071029
Tu Y, Quan T (2016). Oxidative stress and human skin connective tissue aging. Cosmetics 3(3):28. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics3030028
Turcov D, Barna AS, Apreutesei (Ciuperca) OT, Trifan A, Puitel AC, Suteu D (2022a). Valorization of bioactive compounds from residual Saffron biomass (Crocus sativus L.) for obtaining of high value added dermato-cosmetic products. BioResource 17:4730-4744. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.17.3.4730-4744
Turcov D, Barna AS, Trifan A, Blaga AC, Tanasa AM, Suteu D (2022b). Antioxidants from Galium verum as ingredients for the design of new dermatocosmetic products. Plants 11(19):2454. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192454
Wang Y, Huang Z, Wang L, Meng S, Fan Y, Chen T, … Wang C (2011) The anti-malarial artemisinin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines via the NF-κB canonical signaling pathway in PMA-induced THP-1 monocytes. International Journal of Molecular Medicine 27(2):233-241. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2010.580
Wright CW, Linley PA, Brun R, Wittlin S, Hsu E (2010). Ancient Chinese methods are remarkably effective for the preparation of artemisinin-rich extracts of Qing Hao with potent antimalarial activity. Molecules 15(2):804-812. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules15020804
Wu Y, Tang W, Zuo J (2016). Development of artemisinin drugs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Science Bulletin. 61(1):37-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-015-0975-9
YaNan YUAN, Jiang T, Xing ZHOU, Ying LIU (2017). Discovery and development of artemisinin. Chinese Science Bulletin 62(18):1914-1927. https://doi.org/10.1360/N972017-00320
Yang GE, Bao L, Zhang XQ, Wang Y, Li Q, Zhang WK, Ye WC (2009). Studies on flavonoids and their antioxidant activities of Artemisia annua. Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials 32(11):1683-1686.
Yu J, Wang G, Jiang N (2020). Study on the repairing effect of cosmetics containing Artemisia annua on sensitive skin. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications 10(01):8. https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2020.101002
Zhao Y, Zhu L, Yang L, Chen M, Sun P, Ma Y, … Jia H (2024). In vitro and in vivo anti-eczema effect of Artemisia annua aqueous extract and its component profiling. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 318:117065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.117065
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Claudia MAXIM, Marinela BADEANU, Delia TURCOV, Daniela SUTEU
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
License:
Open Access Journal:
The journal allows the author(s) to retain publishing rights without restriction. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author.
.png)
