Extraction, Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Artemisia and Their Biological Significance: A Review

Abstract

Diverse medicinal plants such as those from the genus <i>Artemisia</i> have been employed globally for centuries by individuals belonging to different cultures. Universally, <i>Artemisia</i> species have been used to remedy various maladies that range from simple fevers to malaria. A survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) demonstrated that 80% of the global population is highly reliant on herbal medicine for their primary healthcare. WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) for the treatment of global diseases such as malaria. Artemisinin is a bioactive compound derived from <i>Artemisia annua</i> leaves. It is a sesquiterpene endoperoxide with potent antimalarial properties. This review strives to instill natural products to chemists and others in diverse fields with a heterogeneous set of knowledge compiled from multifaceted researchers and organizations in literature. In particular, the various <i>Artemisia</i> species and effective extraction, isolation, and characterization methodologies are discussed in detail. An in-depth investigation into the literature reveals that divergent species of <i>Artemisia</i> exhibit a vast array of biological activities such as antimalarial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. There is substantial potential for bioactive compounds from <i>Artemisia</i> to provide significant relief from differing human ailments, but more meticulous research in this field is needed.