Search Results (107)

Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant characterized by a chemically diverse phytochemical profile and potential relevance for cosmetic and dermatological applications. This study investigated a hydroethanolic A. annua extract through phytochemical characterization, antioxidant evaluation, UV–Vis-based assessment of UV absorption, and exploratory molecular docking. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS supported the assignment and quantitative determination of artemisinin, chlorogenic acid, and isoquercitrin at 0.09, 0.11, and 0.21 mg/mL extract, respectively. GC–MS revealed a diverse composition comprising primary and secondary metabolites, while separate essential oil characterization identified Artemisia ketone as the predominant volatile constituent. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 16.82 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DW and 1.46 ± 0.14 mg RE/g DW, respectively. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed in DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC₅₀ values of 0.77 ± 0.13 and 0.092 mg dry plant material equivalent/mL reaction mixture, respectively. UV–Vis analysis showed concentration-dependent increases in spectrophotometrically estimated SPF within the evaluated analytical range. At 1.25 mg/mL, the extract exhibited an SPF estimate of 7.20 ± 0.35, a UVA/UVB absorbance ratio of 2.58, and a critical wavelength of 379.3 nm, indicating that UV absorption extended substantially into the UVA region. Exploratory molecular docking yielded the most favorable AutoDock Vina scores for chlorogenic acid toward MMP-1 (−9.0 kcal/mol) and isoquercitrin toward human neutrophil elastase (−8.0 kcal/mol). Overall, A. annua represents a source of phytochemicals with experimentally demonstrated antioxidant activity and measurable UV-absorbing properties, supporting further investigation in appropriately formulated and validated topical systems. Full article

Cannabinoid content can vary several-fold across Cannabis sativa L. cultivars that carry functional, closely related CBDA synthase (CBDAS) and THCA synthase (THCAS) alleles, a difference that coding-sequence variation among functional alleles does not fully explain. Structural and copy-number variation at the synthase loci, the functional or pseudogenised state of synthase alleles, and linkage at the B locus account for much of the qualitative drug-versus-hemp chemotype; however, these genetic factors do not fully explain the quantitative, several-fold variation in cannabinoid content among cultivars that carry functional, near-identical synthase alleles. Three independent lines of evidence now indicate that chromatin-level regulation contributes to this variation. H3K4me3 and H3K56ac co-occupy the promoters and gene bodies of THCAS, CBDAS, OLS, and OAC exclusively in glandular trichome tissue while H3K27me3 marks the identical loci in vegetative tissues, indicating that a Polycomb-to-Trithorax chromatin switch is associated with trichome-specific cannabinoid gene expression, potentially independently of transcription factor availability. Progressive DNA hypomethylation accumulates during micropropagation in a cultivar-specific manner, with promoter-region differentially methylated positions reaching up to 22% by twenty subcultures, identifying DNA methylation maintenance as a candidate determinant of epigenetic stability in clonally propagated material, although the functional consequences for cannabinoid pathway gene expression and yield remain to be quantitatively established. In Cannabis indica cell suspension cultures, UV irradiation increases genome-wide DNA methylation (detected by MSAP, which does not resolve locus-specific changes) and elevates CBDAS transcript levels approximately 4-fold relative to non-irradiated controls. This coupling of an environmentally triggered methylation change to cannabinoid pathway gene expression in the Cannabis genus is suggestive, but the genome-wide MSAP signal and the use of C. indica cell cultures mean the locus-specific methylation change at the CBDAS promoter remains to be demonstrated. These findings identify specific, experimentally documented chromatin states as candidate targets for dCas9-effector intervention, including the H3K27me3 repressive state at cannabinoid loci that could be addressed by dCas9-KDM6A and the propagation-induced CG hypomethylation that could be addressed by dCas9-DNMT3A; these editing strategies remain hypotheses that have not yet been tested in Cannabis. We synthesize functional evidence from Catharanthus roseus, Papaver somniferum, and Artemisia annua demonstrating that equivalent chromatin switches control secondary metabolite yield in medicinal plants, evaluate which dCas9-effector architectures are most appropriate for each Cannabis chromatin target, and identify the critical mechanistic gaps that must be closed before epigenome editing can be rationally deployed for cannabinoid yield enhancement in Cannabis. Full article

The sustainable valorization of spontaneous flora biomass for the recovery of high value-added phytochemicals represents a key opportunity within the circular bioeconomy, yet it remains constrained by the environmental limitations of conventional extraction solvents and the lack of data-driven optimization frameworks. In this study, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) composed of betaine and 1,3-propanediol were designed and applied as bio-based extraction media for the recovery of bioactive metabolites from Artemisia annua L. spontaneous biomass in the context of green extraction and sustainable resource utilization. Two liquid–solid extraction techniques, namely vortex-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction, were evaluated. The influence of key process parameters, including the eutectic component molar ratio, water content, solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time, was systematically investigated. Results demonstrated that extraction efficiency was strongly dependent on both solvent composition and process conditions, with distinct optimum parameters for different phytochemical classes. Maximum total polyphenol content (52.08 mg GAE/mL) was achieved via ultrasound-assisted extraction at 20 °C for 15 min, using a 1:3 NADES ratio with 40% water dilution and S/L = 1:5, while the highest flavonoid yield (17.34 mg QE/mL) was obtained by vortex-assisted extraction for 45 min using a 1:6 NADES ratio under the same dilution and S/L conditions. To identify extraction conditions associated with improved process efficiency, a hybrid modeling approach combining deep neural networks with the Success-History-based Adaptive Differential Evolution (SHADE) algorithm was employed, enabling high-accuracy prediction of extraction performance across a broad parameter space. The proposed framework demonstrates the feasibility of integrating green solvent design with machine learning-driven process modeling for the efficient valorization of underutilized plant biomass, contributing to the development of resource-efficient, sustainable extraction protocols, consistent with principles of process intensification and resource-efficient extraction strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artemisia annua essential oil (EO) possesses diverse biological activities; however, its practical application is limited by volatility, instability, and poor bioavailability. This study aimed to develop chitosan-coated nanostructured lipid carriers (CH-NLCs) for efficient encapsulation and delivery of A. annua EO and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics and biological performance. Methods: The nanoformulation exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including a high encapsulation efficiency (85.97 ± 1.30%) and a strongly positive surface charge (approximately +45 mV), indicating good colloidal stability. Structural analyses by SEM, FTIR, and XRD confirmed successful encapsulation of the EO within the nanocarrier matrix. Results: The CH-NLC formulation significantly enhanced larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, reducing the LC₅₀ value from 213 ppm for the free EO to 142 ppm. Enhanced antifungal activity was also observed, with 47–56% greater inhibition against Malassezia furfur, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans compared with the free EO. Furthermore, CH-NLC demonstrated improved cytotoxic activity against skin cancer cell lines, achieving IC₅₀ values of 21.4 ± 1.7 µg/mL and 30.1 ± 1.6 µg/mL against A431 and A375 cells, respectively, while maintaining lower toxicity toward normal HaCaT keratinocytes. Mechanistic investigations revealed enhanced apoptosis and an approximately 3-fold increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in treated cancer cells. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings indicate that chitosan-coated nanostructured lipid carriers effectively improve the stability and biological efficacy of A. annua essential oil and represent a promising platform for future biomedical and biocidal applications. Full article

Global cultivation of Artemisia annua L. for the isolation of artemisinin as the current best antimalarial therapeutic mainly takes place on large plantations, but there is an increasing cultivation of the plant for more local use and the supplement market. Phytochemical consistency is a major concern among growers and also regulatory bodies. Long-term cultivation and harvest of field-grown clonal A. annua have not been measured for consistency and between different geographical regions. Here, artemisinin and other phytochemicals were measured in clonal A. annua grown in two different US geographical locations. Five Florida (FL) and nine Massachusetts (MA) crops were analyzed for artemisinin and flavonoids. TLC (thin layer chromatography) profiles and mass spectrometry analysis were also compared. Artemisinin content dropped by about 10% after transfer from MA to FL, but the flavonoid content increased 2.6-fold. Artemisinin and flavonoid profiles were relatively consistent within each location, but flavonoids differed significantly between the two locations. We also analyzed the artemisinin content of several US commercial A. annua and artemisinin supplements. Despite manufacturer claims, about half the samples contained no detectable artemisinin. Together, this study enhances the knowledge about A. annua field crops and Artemisia/artemisinin supplements being used globally and in the US for therapeutic purposes. Full article

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a globally distributed necrotrophic fungal pathogen capable of infecting a wide range of crops. While conventional chemical fungicides offer effective control, their long-term use leads to increased fungicide resistance and poses risks to the environment and human health due to pesticide residues, underscoring the urgent need to develop novel fungicides. Artemisinin, first identified in Artemisia annua, is renowned for its antimalarial activity. Here, we demonstrate that artemisinin exhibites effective antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with an EC₅₀ value of 0.1 mg/mL. Treatment with artemisinin caused the mycelia surface to collapse and shrivel, accompanied by enhanced membrane permeability. Pretreating Brassica napus and Arabidopsis leaves with artemisinin increased resistance to S. sclerotiorum infection. Proteomic analysis revealed that artemisinin treatment markedly downregulated the expression of key functional proteins in S. sclerotiorum, including enzymes involved in oxalic acid biosynthesis, cell wall-associated proteins, and secreted proteins. In conclusion, artemisinin exhibits notable inhibitory effects against S. sclerotiorum and may hold potential for development as a novel fungicide. Full article

Backyard chicken farming is a longstanding practice in Romania, with over 13 million birds raised in such systems to provide households with essential sources of eggs and meat. Despite advantages such as low production costs and the potential for organic husbandry, backyard poultry remains highly vulnerable to parasitic infections due to limited biosecurity measures and minimal regulatory oversight. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a plant-based anthelmintic product in naturally infected backyard flocks. Among the 35 backyard farms examined, 24 (68.6%) tested positive for helminth infections, with prevalence rates of 51.4% for Ascaridia galli/Heterakis gallinarum, 57.1% for Capillaria spp., and 40% for Strongyloides avium. Positive households were assigned to three groups: untreated control, fenbendazole-treated, and herbal product-treated. The plant-based formulation consisted of alcoholic extracts from seven locally sourced plants, Thymus serpyllum, Calendula officinalis, Inula helenium, Tanacetum vulgare, Origanum vulgare, Artemisia annua, and Artemisia absinthium, and was administered via drinking water at a dose of 5 mL/L for seven consecutive days. Anthelmintic efficacy was assessed using the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Fecal samples were collected before treatment and on days 7, 14, and 21 post-treatment, and examined using flotation and the McMaster technique. Both the plant-based and fenbendazole-treated groups exhibited significant reductions in egg counts for A. galli/H. gallinarum (p ≤ 0.00001), although neither treatment reached the 90% efficacy threshold required for reliable parasitic control in poultry. The herbal formulation achieved a 91.33% reduction in fecal egg counts overall and a complete (100%) efficacy against Strongyloides avium at 7 and 21 days post-treatment, respectively. At 14 days post-treatment, the mean FECRT values across all parasite species ranged from 13.64% in the untreated control group to 71.86% in the fenbendazole-treated group and 67.11% in the herbal-treated group. The highest reduction was observed in the fenbendazole group against Ascaridia galli/Heterakis gallinarum (85.22 ± 11.86), while the lowest was recorded in the control group against S. avium (–31.63 ± 96.64). Overall, our findings indicate that plant-based anthelmintics are a promising, environmentally friendly option for organic backyard poultry systems, offering a viable alternative to conventional chemical treatments. Full article

Background: Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant with documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although widely studied for internal therapeutic applications, its topical use—especially in hydrogel-based systems—has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to develop sodium alginate hydrogels containing Artemisia annua extract, supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol, and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics as well as their biological activities in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Select bioactive constituents of the Artemisia annua extract were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking sodium alginate with a calcium carbonate–glucono-delta-lactone system and were formulated with or without hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol. Physicochemical evaluations included measurements of moisture content, water-retention capacity, gelation time, and pH. The hydrogel microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antioxidant activity was assessed using three methods: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. Biocompatibility and regenerative effects were analyzed using cell viability assays and an in vitro scratch wound model on human keratinocyte cells. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was examined in rats with full-thickness skin excisions. Results: The extract contained high levels of methylated flavonoids and sesquiterpenes characteristic of Artemisia annua. Hydrogels supplemented with hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol exhibited improved hydration stability and higher porosity. All formulations demonstrated measurable antioxidant activity, and those containing hyaluronic acid showed the strongest effects. The preparations were biocompatible and enhanced keratinocyte migration in vitro, with the combined hyaluronic acid–dexpanthenol formulation promoting the fastest wound closure. In vivo, Artemisia annua hydrogels accelerated wound healing by two to three days compared with untreated wounds. Conclusions: These results confirm the promise of Artemisia annua hydrogels for topical wound care and highlight the beneficial contributions of hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol to their structural and therapeutic performance. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major challenges in healthcare, leading to more severe infections, higher mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Therefore, exploring new alternatives, such as plant extracts with antimicrobial properties helps to reduce bacterial resistance. Artemisia annua L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., and Paronychia argentea Lam. are traditionally used for their biological properties, including antimicrobial activity. However, scientific evidence regarding their antibacterial effects against clinically important bacteria remains limited. Methods: Extracts were obtained from the mentioned plants and phytochemically characterized by GC/MS. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, aliphatic compounds, and terpenoids. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the diffusion method with a modified Kirby-Bauer technique and the microdilution method employing the massive plate sealing drop approach. Results: All extracts exhibited bacterial inhibition, with H. sabdariffa L. showing the strongest activity against E. coli (256 mg/mL), K. pneumoniae (256 mg/mL), P. aeruginosa (128 mg/mL), Salmonella sp. (128 mg/mL), and S. aureus (64 mg/mL). Conclusions: Hydroethanolic extracts of A. annua L., H. sabdariffa L., and P. argentea Lam. exhibit antibacterial activity against clinically relevant bacteria and represent promising candidates for future preclinical studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alginate-based rafts are typically used for antacids and provide a floating, gastric-retaining gel in the stomach that acts as a barrier to the entrance of stomach acid into the esophagus. Various technologies have been developed to enhance the sustained release of drugs and bioactive components and overcome challenges associated with gastric retention. Modern methods, such as the alginate raft, not only function as an antacid in gastroesophageal reflux disease but also can serve as a delivery system that extends the drug release time in gastric medium. This study assessed the effects of biocompatible natural polymers, such as Plantago major mucilage (PMM), on raft formation instead of synthetic polymers, such as Carbomer. Methods: PMM was substituted in the raft formulation at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. The formed rafts were analyzed for their physicochemical, mechanical, and structural properties. To evaluate the sustained release potential of the optimized raft formulation, the aqueous extract of Artemisia annua L. was incorporated into coconut protein nanoparticles and loaded into the optimized raft at three different concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%. Results: The rafts formulated with PMM 0.5% revealed excellent stability of the suspension, as well as improved physicochemical properties of the developed rafts compared to the raft that included Carbomer. The results illustrated that the inclusion of PMM in the raft system enhances antacid capacity, swelling percentage, resilience time, strength, and a stiffer gel with a higher G′. Conclusions: The optimized PMM raft was able to prolong the in vitro release of phenolic extracts and reach the cumulative release of less than 30% after 6 h. Full article

This study aims to reveal the rhizosphere bacteriome patterns, biomarkers, and metabolic functions of dominant plants in the water-level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir through comparative analyses with the non-rhizosphere bacteriome. The present study showed that a total of 4546–5011 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of Artemisia annua L. and Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre. Pseudomonadota and Acidobacteriota were the most abundant bacterial phyla in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere bacteriomes. The α-diversity indices of microbial communities in the non-rhizosphere soils were lower than those in the rhizosphere soils associated with the two dominant plant species. Distinctive key biomarkers were successfully identified for both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere bacterial assemblages, and these biomarkers exhibited a strong plant-specific pattern. Functional annotation revealed that metabolic processes, genetic information processing, and two core functional traits (chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy) accounted for the highest relative abundance within the bacteriomes. However, notable discrepancies were observed in the subdominant functional traits between the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere bacteriomes. Overall, the present study brings novel insight into the plant-microbe interactions in the WLFZ of large reservoirs under the extreme environmental conditions. Full article

Objective: This experiment aimed to explore the effects of water extract of Artemisia annua L. (WEAA) on growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal-related indices in mutton sheep, so as to evaluate its potential as a natural growth promoter. Methods: The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. Thirty-two 3-month-old Dorper × Han mutton sheep were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 8). The control group was fed only the basal diet, while the other groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with, respectively, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg WEAA. The adaptation period lasted 15 days, followed by a 60-day experimental period. Results: Results showed that dietary supplementation of WEAA significantly reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) of mutton sheep, significantly improved the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and phosphorus (P), and optimized blood biochemical indices, such as significantly increasing the concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and glucose (GLU), while significantly decreasing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (p < 0.05). Additionally, WEAA significantly improved intestinal morphology by reducing the crypt depth (CD) of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, increasing jejunal villus height (VH), and elevating the villus-to-crypt ratio (VH/CD) across intestinal segments (p < 0.05). It also significantly enhanced the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes, including α-amylase and trypsin in the duodenum, lipase and chymotrypsin in the jejunum, and α-amylase and chymotrypsin in the ileum, with the 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg WEAA groups reaching better activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, WEAA supplementation significantly increased the counts of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) and decreased the count of harmful bacteria (Escherichia coli) in rectal fecal samples (p < 0.05). Notably, most of these beneficial effects were dosage-dependent, with overall optimal performance observed in the 1000 mg/kg WEAA group. Conclusion: In conclusion, supplementing the diet with 1000 mg/kg WEAA exerted significant positive effects on the feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health status of mutton sheep. Full article

This experiment was designed to systematically evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of water extract of Artemisia annua L. (WEAA) on sheep, both in vivo and in vitro, and to determine the involvement of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in mediating these effects. In experiment 1, 32 female sheep (Dorper × Han, 3 months old, 24 ± 0.09 kg each) were designated to 4 groups, with each group receiving a basal diet supplemented with, respectively, 0 (control group), 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg WEAA. The serum, liver, and spleen immune indicators and related gene expressions were measured. In experiment 2, the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were processed with WEAA (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL), with six replicates assigned to each concentration group, then the cell viability, immune function, and related gene expressions were measured, and the optimal concentration of WEAA was determined. In experiment 3, the experimental groups consisted of PBLs subjected to treatments with or without PDTC (NF-κB inhibitor) and with or without WEAA, forming four distinct treatment groups (six replicates/group): PDTC(−)/WEAA(−) group, PDTC(−)/WEAA(+) group, PDTC(+)/WEAA(−) group and PDTC(+)/WEAA(+) group. The immune indexes and TLR4/NFκB pathway related indexes were determined. The results were as follows: WEAA dose-dependently enhanced the content of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4) in the serum, liver, and spleen tissues, among which IgA, IgG, and IL-4 were the most significantly affected core indicators (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, WEAA dose-dependently upregulated the expression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related genes (TLR4, IKKβ, IκBα, NF-κBp65) and their downstream cytokine-related genes (IL-1β, IL-4) in liver and spleen tissues (p < 0.05). Of these genes, liver IL-4, IκBα, and spleen IL-4 were the most prominently regulated core genes (p < 0.05), The optimal supplementary dose of WEAA was determined to be 1000 mg/kg. In addition, adding 100 μg/mL WEAA to the culture medium of PBLs significantly enhanced immune function and cell viability. The underlying mechanism involved the TLR4/NF-κB pathway; that is to say, WEAA enhanced sheep’s immune indicators by upregulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway genes, thereby coordinately regulating humoral and innate immunity, thereby improving the immune indices of sheep. This study provided compelling experimental support for the prospective utilization of WEAA as a functional feed supplement in intensive meat-type sheep production systems. Full article

Microcystis aeruginosa, a kind of cyanobacterium, can lead to water blooms under specific conditions and it is harmful to human and ecological security due to the toxins produced by certain strains. Artemisinin, which is derived from Artemisia annua Linn, has a strong allelopathic effect on algae. Artesunate is a water-soluble derivative of artemisinin. We investigated the effect of artesunate on M. aeruginosa, including growth and key photosynthetic parameters (Fv/Fm, φPSII). Our findings demonstrate that artesunate inhibits the growth of M. aeruginosa by damaging the photosynthetic center of photosystem II (PS II), and this inhibitory effect is enhanced with increasing concentration. At the concentration of 200 mol/L, the maximum inhibition rate was 41.62% for FACHB-315 and 43.19% for FACHB-927 after 96 h. After 24 h of exposure, the φPSII of the two strains decreased significantly (p < 0.01). These results could inform further studies on the use of artesunate to control cyanobacterial growth in water bodies and provide theoretical support for the application of artemisinin derivatives in treating water blooms. Full article

This work focuses on research into innovative lead-free perovskite materials to be employed as a sensitive layer for a new generation of solar cells, exploiting their potential applications in covering greenhouses to move toward an eco-friendly environment. Two types of lead-free perovskites—yellow and orange double-cation Cs₂AgBiBr₆, synthesized with an innovative method without chemical thinners—have been used, for the first time, as a cover for greenhouses in indoor experiments by analyzing the incident electromagnetic radiation. Two plant species, Solanum lycopersicum L. and Artemisia annua L., were cultivated indoors under controlled light, temperature, and humidity, covering the greenhouses with yellow (PY+) and orange (PO+) panels for comparison with control plants (P−) roofed by a glass panel. The growth and development parameters of all plants were investigated, referring to the aerial and root parts. Significant differences were found in terms of the plant growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments of both PY+ and PO+ compared to P− and also between them, with the yellow panel being less invasive. These results, dealing with two different plant species, confirm the feasibility of using perovskite-based panels for indoor cultivation and pave the way for outdoor application in greenhouses under sunlight. Full article