Artemisia annua

What is it?

Artemisia annua, also called sweet wormwood, has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its active ingredient artemisinin is now the basis of the most important malaria drugs. The Chinese researcher Tu Youyou received the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine for this.

What does the research say?

In a 2023 study, artemisinin protected the dopamine nerve cells of mice from a nerve toxin. It activated the body's own protective pathway Nrf2, lowered oxidative stress and reduced movement disorders (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy). There are no studies in people with Parkinson's.

Important

• In the EU, Artemisia annua is not approved as a food under the Novel Food Regulation. It is usually sold as a raw material for cosmetics or incense, without dosage information.
• Highly concentrated forms could damage nerves at high doses.
• It can interact with medications through liver enzymes.
• Avoid it if you are allergic to mugwort, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

My experience

For a while, I took 0.5 grams twice a day as part of my routine for longevity. I no longer take Artemisia annua. I could not detect any effect on my Parkinson's symptoms.

My conclusion

A fascinating medicinal plant, but in Parkinson's it has only been studied in animals. Because it is not approved and has possible risks, take it only with medical supervision.