Artemisia Cina

Classification: -

Kingdom: Plantae

Class: Eudicots

Order: Asterales

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Artemisia

Species: Artemisia cina

Common name: Wormseed, Levant wormseed, Santonica

Scientific name: Artemisia cina

Introduction:

Artemisia cina also called as Wormseed or Levant wormseed is a perennial herb. It is native to Central Asia especially in the regions of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and different parts of Russia. This plant has high value in traditional and herbal medicines. It is widely recognized for its anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties. The primary source of the plant is santonin. This compound plays a crucial role for the treatment of intestinal worm infections, especially in children.  

Habit and Habitat:

Artemisia cina typically grows in dry, open areas including deserts, steppes and semi- arid environments. This plant is widely used as pharmaceutical in regions of Europe and Asia. It was cultivated and harvested for its medicinal flowers, which contains high concentration of active constituents. This plant grows up to height of 30 to 60 cm. The flowers of plant usually bloom in late summer which are primarily pollinated by wind. The plant favors full sunlight and does not tolerate waterlogging or shady areas.

Morphology and Anatomy:

The stems of plant are erect, woody at the base and covered with fine hairs. The plant is herbaceous and is finely divided. It has grey- green colored leaves that are aromatic in nature due to presence of essential oils when crushed which contribute to its medicinal qualities. The plant contains small, yellowish flower heads arranged in clusters. The flowers are not showy and are mainly wind- pollinated.  It often stores specialized oil glands in leaves and stems. The fruit of plant contains small, dry seeds called achenes. There is special structure inside plant known as oil glands or trichomes. These glands store essential oils and chemicals known as santonin which is used to kill intestinal worms. The oil helps plant to protect from insects and diseases. In dry areas, the plant contains a taproot which helps it to find water in the deep soil for surviving in dry regions.

Medicinal Use:

  Artemisia cina is a medicinal herb and belongs of family of Asteraceae (sunflower) family. The main compound of this plant is santonin which helps to remove intestinal worms especially roundworms and pinworms from the body.  It is also used as homeopathy medicine to cure symptoms like restlessness in children, digestive problems, teeth grinding or anger issues.

Causes:

Large dose of this plant can be very toxic as it can lead to many harmful effects such as nausea, vomiting or dizziness. It can be fatal as it can cause severe illness and sudden death of a person. The medicine of this plant should be taken under medical supervision.