Artemisia persica
Artemisia genus contains over 500 species and is one of the largest Astraceae (Compositae) family genera which widely distributed in the temperate zones of Europe, Asia and North America. These plants observed in various shapes include perennial, biennial and annual herbs or small shrubs.
This genus general morphological features includes alternate leaves, small capitula, with racemouse, paniculate or capitate inflorescence, rarely solitary. Phyllaries in few rows, sometimes hirsute; florets all tubular; with small, dry, indehiscent fruit[1].
A densely greyish tomentose, basally woody shrublet with several or occasionally solitary, 25-75 cm tall, ascending or upright, simple or branched, striate-costate, densely leaved, rarely glabrescent stems from a much branched, woody rootstock. Leaves 3-pinnatisect, primary and secondary rachis lobulate; basal and lower stem leaves with up to 1.5 cm long petiole, lamina oblong-obovate, 1.2-3.5 (-4.5) x 0.8-2 cm, primary segments ascending to patent, ultimate segments linear-oblong to lanceolate, 1.5-2.5 x 0.5-0.8 (-1) mm, obtuse; upper leaves sessile and gradually smaller; uppermost in floral region linear. Capitula heterogamous, on (1-) 2-4 mm long peduncles, remote, subglobose, c. 3-3.5 mm long and broad, secund nodding in narrow, ± oblong-pyramidate, up to 30 x 8-12 cm panicle with ascending to obliquely erect, 6-20 cm long branches. Involucre 3-4-seriate; phyllaries loosely imbricate, ± keeled; outermost linear-oblong, c. 2 mm long; inner elliptic, 2-2.5 x 0.75-1 mm, obtuse, hoary pubescent in the middle part, margins scarious. Receptacle convex, densely to laxly long hairy or almost glabrous. Florets all fertile, yellow, 40-50; marginal florets 8-12, with compressed, c. 0.8 mm long, punctate-glandulose corolla tube; disc-florets bisexual, 30-40, with 5-dentate, apically densely long hairy, 1-1.5 mm long corolla tube. Cypselas light brown, oblong, c. 1 mm long, smooth [2].
Artemisia persica common names include Dermaneh (Persian), الشِّيحُ (Arabic), wormwood (English), Armoise (French)[3].
Traditionally Dermaneh leaves were used in gastrointestinal, skin, and general diseases. Essential oil of Persian wormwood also exhibited significant pharmacological and biological activities includes antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal effects, anti-parasitic, antinociceptive, and anti-anxiety effect. A. persica is rich in terpenoids such as bisabolol oxide derivatives, acetylenes, flavonoids and coumarins [4, 5].
This spices showed some variation in components including 1,8-cineole, camphor, davanone, α-pinene, and ocimenone. Components of the essential oil variation depending on the origin and flowering time of plants [6].
**This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Applications and Benefits in Various Industries:
The unique composition of Artemisia persica essential oil offers a wide range of benefits in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and perfumery industries. Below are the key advantages of this essential oil in each of these fields:
1- Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry
The bioactive compounds in Artemisia persica essential oil, such as cineole and camphor, provide disinfecting, anti-inflammatory, and refreshing effects for both skin and hair. Incorporating this essential oil into cosmetic formulations can help address various skin issues such as acne and eczema while acting as a natural skin-protecting agent.
- The oil’s fresh, herbal scent enhances the appeal of cosmetic products such as creams, shampoos, and natural soaps, providing a refreshing and invigorating sensory experience for consumers.
- Its antimicrobial and soothing properties make it an effective ingredient in anti-acne serums and skin-calming treatments.
- The cooling and anti-inflammatory action of camphor makes it ideal for after-sun products and post-shaving balms.
The natural and organic nature of Artemisia persica essential oil meets the growing demand for clean beauty products, making it highly attractive to modern consumers seeking sustainable and plant-based skincare solutions.
2- Pharmaceutical Industry
The bioactive compounds in Artemisia persica essential oil make it a valuable raw material in the production of pharmaceutical and health-related products. Traditionally, Artemisia species have been used for their pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and disinfecting properties, as well as for improving respiratory health.
- 1,8-Cineole has an expectorant effect and helps open the airways, making it useful in cold and cough relief products.
- Camphor has long been used in muscle pain relief ointments and massage oils as a warming and numbing agent.
- Modern research indicates that Artemisia essential oil possesses antimicrobial and even potential anticancer properties, opening possibilities for the development of new medicinal products.
- The essential oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects make it suitable for arthritis relief products and topical pain relievers.
The combination of therapeutic effects and natural origin makes Artemisia persica essential oil particularly appealing to pharmaceutical companies seeking plant-based active ingredients for modern healthcare solutions.
3- Perfumery Industry
The complex and distinctive fragrance profile of Artemisia persica essential oil has drawn the attention of creative perfumers. The combination of:
- Herbal and spicy top notes from Artemisia ketone and thujone
- Fresh and camphorous middle notes from cineole and camphor
- Mild bitterness and subtle sweetness creates a well-balanced and layered fragrance that is both natural and sophisticated.
- This essential oil works beautifully as a fresh, herbal top note in natural fragrances.
- In more luxurious perfumes, it can add depth and character to the middle notes, resulting in a unique and memorable scent.
- The rising trend toward using rare and exotic botanical ingredients in modern perfumery makes Artemisia persica an ideal choice for high-end and niche perfumes.
- Its long-lasting aromatic profile enhances the longevity of fragrances on the skin, while its fixative properties help stabilize other volatile compounds in the perfume blend.
References
1- M. Willcox, G. Bodeker, G. Bourdy, V. Dhingra, J. Falquet, J. F. Ferreira, B. Graz, H.-M. Hirt, E. Hsu and P. M. de Magalhães, Traditional medicinal plants and malaria 2004, 4, 43.
2- Flora of China @ efloras.org. World Flora Online Data. 2024.
3- S. Raghavan, 'Handbook of spices, seasonings, and flavorings', CRC press, 2006.
4- B F.Mirjalili; M H. Hakimi Meybody; M M. Ardakani; R. Abdolhossein. Journal of Essential Oil Research 2006,18, 544-547.
5- F. Moradi-Afrapoli, S N. Ebrahimi, M. Smiesko, M. Raith, S. Zimmermann, F. Nadjafi, R.Brun, M. Hamburger, Phytochemistry 2013, 85, 143-152.
6- Reza Dehghani Bidgoli, Journal of Food Science and Technology 2021, 58, 1313-1318.
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