Phytochemical diversity and pharmacological effects of sesquiterpenes from Artemisia spp.

Artemisia L., belonging to the Asteraceae family, consists of 498 species worldwide. Studies show that sesquiterpenes, as the main bioactive compounds from the genus, have exhibited a wide range of pharmacological activities. In this updated review paper, we aimed to discuss the phytochemistry of the sesquiterpenes isolated from Artemisia species from 2015 to December 2023 and their pharmacological activities. We searched the scientific databases “Scopus”, “PubMed”, and “ISI Web of Science” with the keywords “Artemisia” AND “Sesquiterpene” OR “Sesquiterpenoid” OR “Eudesmanolide” OR “Guaianolide” OR “Germacranolide” OR “Eudesmane” OR “Guaiane” OR “Germacrane”, OR “Chemical”. A total of 914 sesquiterpenes with various skeletons mainly belonging to eudesmane, guaiane, germacrene, and cadinane subtypes were reported from 53 different Artemisia species. Additionally, the dimeric sesquiterpenes constituted one of the most reported classes of compounds. Based on the literature survey, sesquiterpenes from Artemisia can be potent anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic compounds, of which guaiane and dimeric sesquiterpenes showed the best anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects. However, antimicrobial, immunosuppressant, and neuroprotective effects, as well as antifeedant, and nematocidal activities, have been reported for the Artemisia sesquiterpenes. Overall, this review shows that the sesquiterpenes of Artemisia can be promising lead compounds for drug discovery programs, particularly as anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents. Besides, more phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical studies are necessary to discover more compounds that are potent and to assess their safety and efficacy.

Graphical abstract