Artemisia pallens, commonly known as davana, is an aromatic herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Native to southern India, particularly the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it is widely cultivated for its fragrant foliage and flowers. Davana is prized for its essential oil, which is extensively used in perfumery, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. The plant holds cultural and religious significance in India, often used in temple offerings.

Botanical Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Asterales
• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Artemisia
• Species: Artemisia pallens

Plant Characteristics

• Height: Typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm.
• Leaves: Feathery, deeply lobed, and aromatic, with a silvery-green appearance.
• Flowers: Small, yellow, and button-like, blooming in clusters. The flowers emit a strong, sweet fragrance.
• Roots: Fibrous and shallow, adapted to well-drained soils.
• Growth Habitat: Thrives in warm, semi-arid climates with abundant sunlight.

Chemical Composition

The essential oil extracted from Artemisia pallens is rich in aromatic compounds, including:

• Davonone: A sesquiterpene unique to davana oil, contributing to its distinctive aroma.
• Linalool: Known for its floral and sweet fragrance.
• Geraniol: Provides a rose-like scent and has antimicrobial properties.
• Furanoids: Contributing to the oil's complex and lasting fragrance profile.
• Terpenes: Offering a variety of aromatic and therapeutic properties.

How to Cultivate Artemisia pallens

Cultivating Artemisia pallens requires careful attention to its growing conditions:

1. Climate: Prefers warm, semi-arid climates with temperatures between 20°C and 35°C.
2. Soil Requirements: Thrives in sandy or loamy soils with good drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
3. Propagation: Propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds are sown directly into the soil, while cuttings can be rooted in moist sand.
4. Irrigation: Requires moderate watering. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
5. Harvesting: The plant is harvested during flowering, typically 3–4 months after sowing, for maximum oil yield.

Uses and Benefits

• Essential Oil Production:

  • The essential oil extracted from the plant is highly valued in perfumery for its unique, fruity aroma.
  • Widely used in cosmetics, including creams, lotions, and soaps.

• Traditional Medicine:

  • Known for its calming and antimicrobial properties, davana oil is used in Ayurveda to treat stress, infections, and respiratory issues.
  • The plant is also believed to support hormonal balance and aid in wound healing.

• Cultural Significance:

  • Used in India as an offering in temples and religious ceremonies, where its fragrance is believed to please deities.

• Aromatherapy:

  • The oil is used to create a soothing and uplifting atmosphere, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Applications

• Medical:

  • The oil is used in natural remedies to alleviate headaches, stress, and mild infections.
  • Studies suggest potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels.

• Cosmetic:

  • Incorporated into high-end perfumes and skincare products for its fragrance and antimicrobial properties.
  • Often blended with other essential oils to enhance aromatic profiles.

• Cultural and Religious:

  • Leaves and flowers are used in garlands, religious rituals, and traditional Indian festivities.

• Environmental:

  • The plant’s aromatic properties make it a natural pest repellent, suitable for companion planting in gardens.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Environmental Benefits:

  • A low-maintenance plant that contributes to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.
  • Acts as a natural pest deterrent, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

• Safety:

  • Generally safe for topical and aromatic use, but should be diluted before application to avoid skin irritation.
  • Ingestion of the essential oil should only occur under professional supervision, as high doses can be toxic.

Research and Future Potential

The unique aromatic profile and therapeutic properties of Artemisia pallens continue to attract interest in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics, and alternative medicine. Ongoing research is exploring its applications in diabetes management, stress relief, and antimicrobial treatments. The plant’s ability to grow in semi-arid conditions also makes it a promising candidate for sustainable farming practices in challenging climates.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Haider SZ, Mohan M, Andola HC. Constituents of Artemisia indica Willd. from Uttarakhand Himalaya: A source of davanone. Pharmacognosy Res. 2014 Jul;6(3):257-9. doi: 10.4103/0974-8490.132607.

Abstract. Background: The genus Artemisia is important due to its medicinal properties as well as vital aroma compounds of commercial value. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the potential of the essential oil of Artemisia indica wildly growing in Uttarakhand.....Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on A. indica from Himalayan region of India, which detected davanone as major component. The species, collected from a specific location, can be explored for isolation of davanone for its industrial utilization and as alternate source of Artemisia pallens, which have already established commercial value.

Honmore V, Kandhare A, Zanwar AA, Rojatkar S, Bodhankar S, Natu A. Artemisia pallens alleviates acetaminophen induced toxicity via modulation of endogenous biomarkers. Pharm Biol. 2015 Apr;53(4):571-81. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2014.934382.

Abstract. Context: Acetaminophen (APAP) leads to severe hepatic and renal necrosis and thus causes significant clinical problems. Artemisia pallens Walls ex D.C. (Asteraceae) possesses various pharmacological properties such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the protective effects of Artemisia pallens methanol extract (APME) in APAP-induced hepatic and nephro-toxicity.....Conclusion: It is concluded that the methanol extract of Artemisia pallens alleviates APAP induced in rats toxicity through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions.

Ruikar AD, Khatiwora E, Ghayal NA, Misar AV, Mujumdar AM, Puranik VG, Deshpande NR. Studies on aerial parts of Artemisia pallens wall for phenol, flavonoid and evaluation of antioxidant activity. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011 Apr;3(2):302-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.80768. 

Abstract. Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. According to recent investigations, they may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer due to antioxidant properties, which in turn can be attributed to the various phytoconstituents. With this intention, evaluation of antioxidant activity was performed. Methanol extract of aerial parts of Artemisia pallens Wall was screened for its antioxidant activity due to phenolic and flavonoid contents, by employing radical scavenging assays; 2,2 -diphenyl, 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard. Quantitative determination of phenols and flavonoids were carried out using spectrophotometric method. Total flavonoid content was determined as quercetin equivalent and total phenolic content was determined as pyrocatechol equivalent using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Plant produces more phenolic compounds than flavonoids. IC(50) value of methanol extract for DPPH free radical scavenging activity was found to be 292.7 μg, whereas for nitric oxide it was 204.61 μg. The result obtained in the present study indicates that the aerial parts of this plant are a rich source of natural antioxidants.

Nakhare S, Garg SC. Anthelmintic activity of the essential oil of artemisia pallens wall. Anc Sci Life. 1991 Jan;10(3):185-6. 

Abstract. Helminthic infections are now being recognized as the cause of much chronic ill health and sluggishness among the tropical people. More than half of the world populations suffers from worm infections of one type or the other. Traditional system of medicine reports the efficacy of chenopodiul oil, Embelia ribes (Via-Varang), Trachyspermum ammi Ajwain and Biper betle (Pan) oils etc. for eliminating helminthes. The present study reports the strong anthelmintic activity of the essential oil of Artemisia pallens Wall. Against Pheritima posthuma (earth worm), Taenia solium (tape worm) and Ascaris lumbricoides (round worm). The helminthes have been found to be more susceptible to the oil than to piperazine phosphate of similar concentration. Artemisia pallens has been ascribed to possess anthelmintic and stomachic properties in indigenous system of medicine. The present screening not only confirms the correct usage of the plant by the rurals but also enhances the creditability of ethnobotanical explorations.