DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000049379 ISSN: 0025-7974
Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Artemisia species on metabolic diseases: A systematic review
Naiyu Wang, Minmin Li, Mingjing Lu, Zheng Wang, Hualin Wang, Meiyue Yao, Hailing Ding, Muhammad Shahbaz, Muhammad Ijaz
Background:
The prevalence of metabolic disorders has increased significantly in recent years, driving interest in effective herbal remedies.
Artemisia
species, part of the Compositae family, encompass over 500 plants worldwide and have shown promising potential in addressing metabolic ailments. This review delineates the intricate chemical composition of
Artemisia
plants while offering a thorough summary of the pharmacological advancements and clinical evidence of
Artemisia
species in mitigating conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and gout.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched up to December 2025. Studies evaluating
Artemisia
species for metabolic diseases (diabetes, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, or gout) were included. The included studies were analyzed and compared in terms of research types (animal, human, and in vitro studies), therapeutic outcomes, and mechanistic pathways. A qualitative synthesis was performed.
Results:
Numerous experiments have demonstrated the efficacy of 28
Artemisia
species in lowering blood sugar and lipid levels, stimulating insulin secretion, ameliorating insulin resistance, suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress, reducing fat synthesis, and modulating the gut microbiota. These findings underscore their potential as promising therapeutic candidates for the management of metabolic disorders.
Conclusion:
This review acts as a crucial guide for steering the progress of drug development and the therapeutic use of
Artemisia
plants in addressing metabolic diseases. However, clinical investigations into the effects of
Artemisia
on metabolic disorders in humans are still limited. Further trials are essential to validate its effectiveness in treating these ailments.