Search Results (83)

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

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

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

This review highlights Artemisia annua, a medicinal plant which grows in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, known for its abundant therapeutic properties. A. annua serves as a rich source of various bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenoid lactones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins. Among these, artemisinin and its derivatives are most extensively studied due to their potent antimalarial properties. Extracts and isolates of A. annua have demonstrated a range of therapeutic effects, such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and antiviral properties. Given its significant antiviral activity, A. annua could be investigated for the development of new nutraceutical bioactive compounds to combat SARS-CoV-2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist in drug discovery by optimizing the selection of more effective and safer natural bioactives, including artemisinin. It can also predict potential clinical outcomes through in silico modeling of protein–ligand interactions. In silico studies have reported that artemisinin and its derivatives possess a strong ability to bind with the Lys353 and Lys31 hotspots of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, demonstrating their effective antiviral effects against COVID-19. This integrated approach may accelerate the identification of effective and safer natural antiviral agents against COVID-19. Full article

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp., transmitted by sandflies, and endemic in 98 countries. Leishmania infantum, the main agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Europe, commonly infects both humans and animals, with dogs as the principal domestic reservoir. Clinical manifestations in dogs depend on the host immune response. A robust Th1 response facilitates macrophage activation and parasite control, while persistently elevated TNF-α and IL-6 can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Current treatments reduce parasite load but rarely achieve complete cure and are often associated with relapses and resistance. Artemisia annua, source of artemisinin, could be a promising alternative to canine leishmaniasis. Despite its potential, no published studies have investigated its effect specifically against Leishmania infantum as well as its possible dual action: antiparasitic and immunomodulation. We conducted in vitro evaluations of a standardized Artemisia annua extract. Leishmanicidal activity was assessed against both promastigote and amastigote stages, and cytokine modulation was evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The extract showed strong leishmanicidal activity without cytotoxicity and significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels under inflammatory conditions, and in both cases, efficiency was correlated with artemisinin content. These results support Artemisia annua as a promising safer therapeutic adjuvant candidate for canine leishmaniasis, targeting both the parasite and the host inflammatory response. Full article

The combination of electrochemical, surface, and spectroscopic techniques revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm accelerated corrosion of 304 stainless steel (SS), leading to localized pitting with depths up to 3.75 μm. Such damage did not occur on 304 SS treated with P. aeruginosa in the presence of Artemisia annua L. extract, or in sterile seawater. Introducing A. annua into biotic seawater hindered biofilm development and prevented the formation of porous Fe(III) corrosion products. Instead, a compact Fe₃O₄ layer formed, indicating a shift in corrosion product morphology and stability. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed phenolic groups from the extract were adsorbed onto the steel interface, supporting the dual inhibitory role of A. annua through both surface modification and antimicrobial action. A. annua extract demonstrated a 74.4 ± 4.4% reduction in MIC-induced corrosion of 304 SS in marine conditions. Full article

Monoterpenoids serve as essential components of plant essential oils and play significant roles in plant growth, development, and insect resistance. Artemisia annua, an important medicinal plant, produces abundant terpenoids. While previous research on A. annua has predominantly focused on artemisinin biosynthesis and its regulation, studies on other terpenoids in this plant have significantly lagged behind. To comprehensively investigate monoterpene biosynthesis in A. annua, we analyzed monoterpenes across its different tissues using optimized extraction and chromatographic conditions developed to enhance sensitivity and resolution in our GC-MS-based analytical method. In A. annua, 31 monoterpenoid compounds were identified. Subsequently, eight candidate monoterpene synthases (mTPS) were characterized in Escherichia coli, confirming their catalytic activity in converting geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) into distinct monoterpene products. Subcellular localization revealed these TPSs in chloroplasts, consistent with the widely reported chloroplast localization of TPS enzymes. These enzymes were functionally defined as monoterpenoid synthases, collectively responsible for synthesizing 18 monoterpenoid metabolites. Notably, AaTPS13, AaTPS19, and AaTPS20 exhibited substantial product promiscuity. Critically, the AaTPS19 was identified as the first known terpene synthase producing 2-pinanol. These findings systematically elucidate the biosynthesis of monoterpenoids in A. annua and provide key enzymatic elements for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology applications in monoterpenoid production. Full article

It was reported that polyphenols extracted from Korean Artemisia annua L. (pKAL) have higher anticancer effects in oxaliplatin-resistant (OxPt-R) HCT116 cells than in HCT116 cells. In this study, it was tested whether and how As₄O₆ enhances anticancer effects of pKAL in HCT116 and HCT116-OxPt-R colorectal cancer cells. The CCK-8 assay, phase-contrast microscopy, and colony formation assay revealed that As₄O₆ enhanced anticancer effects of pKAL, with induction of nuclear deformity and intracytoplasmic vesicle formation in both cells. Western blot analysis revealed that co-treatment with As₄O₆ and pKAL significantly decreased the expression of NF-kB, EGFR, cyclin D1, CD44, and β-catenin, and upregulated the expression of p62 and LC3B in both cells. It also induced the activation of caspase-8 and γ-H2AX and the cleavage of β-catenin, PARP1, lamin A/C, and p62. These phenomena were inhibited by wortmannin, and further suppressed by co-treatment of wortmannin with an ROS inhibitor, N-acetyl cysteine. This study suggests that As₄O₆ enhanced the anticancer effects of pKAL by inducing autophagic cell death accompanied by apoptosis in both parental HCT116 and HCT116-OxPt-R cells. It also suggests that ROS generation and the downregulation of AKT, NF-κB p65, cyclin D1, EGFR, and β-catenin may play an important role in the As₄O₆-enhanced anticancer effect of pKAL. Full article

This study investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood) extracts, along with their role in the green synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Bioreduction was achieved using aqueous and ethanolic extracts (100 mg/mL), enabling solvent-dependent comparisons. Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and zeta potential analysis. Each technique revealed complementary aspects of nanoparticle morphology, size, and stability, with UV–Vis indicating aggregation states and DLS confirming solvent-related size variation even at 3–5% ethanol. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from Dandelion showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while silver nanoparticles from both plants were effective against Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that silver nanoparticles obtained from ethanolic Dandelion extract containing 3% ethanol in aqueous solution (AgNPsE_ETOH3%-D) significantly reduced LoVo (p = 4.58 × 10⁻³) and MDA-MB-231 (p = 7.20 × 10⁻⁵) cell viability, with high selectivity indices (SI), suggesting low toxicity toward normal cells. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous Dandelion extract (AuNPsEaq-D) also showed favorable SI values (2.16 for LoVo and 8.41 for MDA-MB-231). Although some formulations demonstrated lower selectivity (SI < 1.5), the findings support the therapeutic potential of these biogenic nanoparticles. Further in vivo studies and pharmacokinetic evaluations are required to validate their clinical applicability. Full article

This study was conducted through in vivo and in vitro experiments and aimed to reveal the regulatory effect of water extract of Artemisia annua L. (WEAA) on the antioxidant function of mutton sheep and the underlying mechanism. In the in vivo experiment, 32 Dorper × Han female sheep (3 months old; avg. body weight: 24 ± 0.09 kg) were allocated to four groups (eight lambs/group) and fed a diet containing 0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg WEAA, respectively. In the in vitro experiments, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were cultured with different doses of WEAA (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 µg/mL) to determine the optimal concentration, followed by a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with four treatment groups (six replicates per treatment group): the ML385(−)/WEAA(−) group, the ML385(−)/WEAA(+) group, the ML385(+)/WEAA(−) group, and the ML385(+)/WEAA(+) group. The results showed that WEAA supplementation dose-dependently increased serum, liver and spleen tissue total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity while reducing malondialdehyde level (p < 0.05). Moreover, WEAA supplementation significantly upregulated the liver and spleen expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, superoxide dismutase 2, GSH-Px, CAT and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (p < 0.05) while significantly downregulating the kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 expression in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), thereby activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway with the peak effect observed in the 1000 mg/kg WEAA group. Additionally, supplementation with 100 µg/mL of WEAA had significant antioxidation activity in the culture medium of PBLs. Its action mechanism involved the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway; specifically, WEAA exerted its antioxidant effect by upregulating the gene expression related to the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. In conclusion, WEAA enhances sheep’s antioxidant capacity by up-regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway genes and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. The results provided experimental support for the potential application of WEAA in intensive mutton sheep farming. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine the phenolic composition of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L., Asteraceae) from controlled cultivation in Serbia and to assess the potential antioxidant effects and cytotoxicity. Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the phenolic composition of Artemisia annua ethanolic extract. The antioxidant activity was studied using in vitro tests of inhibition of the neutralization of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), and nitroso (NO) radicals, as well as the process of inhibiting lipid peroxidation and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by the effect on three cell lines (the rat pancreatic insulinoma cell line (Rin-5F), the rat hepatoma cell line (H4IIE), and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2)) using the MTT test of viability. Results: Ethanol extract showed the highest potency in inhibiting the DPPH radical, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was 5.17 μg/mL. Chlorogenic acid was the dominant phenolic compound with an amount of 651 μg/g of dry extract. The results of the MTT viability test showed that the extract has the potential to inhibit the growth of the Rin-5F and Hep G2 cell lines, while no growth inhibition was observed on the H4IIE cell line. Conclusions: Undoubtedly, Artemisia annua is a powerful plant and a rich source of phenolic compounds. Inhibitory activity on causes of oxidative stress shows that the plant has a good antioxidant effect. Also, the anticancer activity shown through the inhibition of cell growth is not negligible. Full article