The Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Active Compounds of Artemisia capillaris

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (A. capillaris, Yin-Chen in Chinese) is a traditional medicinal herb with a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties ranging from effects against liver dysfunction to treatments of severe cirrhosis and cancer. We used relevant keywords to search electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar, for scientific contributions related to this medicinal herb and the pharmacokinetics of its components. The pharmaceutical effects of A. capillaris contribute to the treatment not only of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular hepatoma, but also metabolic syndrome, psoriasis, and enterovirus in the clinic. The bioactive compounds, including scoparone, capillarisin, scopoletin, and chlorogenic acid, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antisteatotic, antiviral, and antitumor properties, reflecting the pharmacological effects of A. capillaris. The pharmacokinetics of the main bioactive compounds in A. capillaris can achieve a maximum concentration within 1 hour, but only chlorogenic acid has a relatively long half-life. Regarding the use of the A. capillaris herb by health professionals to treat various diseases, the dosing schedule of this herb should be carefully considered to maximize therapeutic outcomes while lessening possible side effects.

Automated summary

Artemisia capillaris, also known as Yin-Chen in Chinese, is a traditional medicinal herb with a wide range of pharmacological properties, including effects on liver function and treatment of liver diseases. The bioactive compounds in this herb exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, with chlorogenic acid having a relatively long half-life. Careful consideration of dosing schedules is important for maximizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing potential side effects when using this herb for various diseases.