Abstract:Biologically active secondary metabolites, essential oils, and volatile compounds derived
from medicinal and aromatic plants play a crucial role in promoting human health. Within the
large family Asteraceae, the genus Artemisia consists of approximately 500 species. Artemisia species
have a rich history in traditional medicine worldwide, offering remedies for a wide range of ailments,
such as malaria, jaundice, toothache, gastrointestinal problems, wounds, inflammatory diseases,
diarrhoea, menstrual pains, skin disorders, headache, and intestinal parasites. The therapeutic
potential of Artemisia species is derived from a multitude of phytoconstituents, including terpenoids,
phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones, lignans, and alkaloids that serve
as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The remarkable antimalarial, antimicrobial, anthelmintic,
antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, antioxidative and insecticidal properties
possessed by the species are attributed to these APIs. Interestingly, several commercially utilized
pharmaceutical drugs, including arglabin, artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, santonin, and tarralin
have also been derived from different Artemisia species. However, despite the vast medicinal
potential, only a limited number of Artemisia species have been exploited commercially. Further,
the available literature on traditional and pharmacological uses of Artemisia lacks comprehensive
reviews. Therefore, there is an urgent need to bridge the existing knowledge gaps and provide a scientific
foundation for future Artemisia research endeavours. It is in this context, the present review
aims to provide a comprehensive account of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, documented biological
properties and toxicity of all the species of Artemisia and offers useful insights for practitioners
and researchers into underutilized species and their potential applications. This review aims
to stimulate further exploration, experimentation and collaboration to fully realize the therapeutic
potential of Artemisia in augmenting human health and well-being.