Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from the flowers of Artemisia capillaris, a plant widely recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and soothing properties. It is used in cosmetics for its ability to calm irritated skin, protect against environmental stressors, and improve overall skin tone. Its multifunctional benefits make it a popular ingredient in skincare products designed for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract contains a rich blend of bioactive compounds:

• Flavonoids: Quercetin and luteolin, which provide strong antioxidant properties and help neutralize free radicals.
• Coumarins: Scoparone and esculetin, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
• Essential Oils: Including camphor and cineole, offering antimicrobial and calming benefits.
• Polysaccharides: Contribute to hydration and skin barrier reinforcement.

Physicochemical Properties

• Appearance: Pale yellow to amber liquid or fine powder, depending on the extraction method.
• Odor: Herbal and slightly woody.
• Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol.
• Stability: Stable under neutral to slightly acidic pH conditions; sensitive to high temperatures and prolonged exposure to light.

Production Process

1. Harvesting:

   • Flowers are carefully collected from Artemisia capillaris plants during peak blooming to ensure high bioactive content.

2. Extraction:

   • Typically extracted using water or hydroalcoholic solvents to preserve flavonoids, coumarins, and other active compounds.

3. Filtration and Concentration:

   • The extract is filtered to remove impurities and concentrated for use in cosmetic formulations.

4. Standardization:

   • The final product is standardized to ensure consistent levels of key bioactive compounds.

Applications

Medical Applications

• Anti-inflammatory Treatments: Used in traditional medicine to reduce swelling and soothe irritated skin.
• Antimicrobial Action: Effective in formulations to prevent microbial infections on skin.
• Wound Healing: Supports the regeneration of skin tissue and reduces redness.

Cosmetics

1. Calming and Soothing:

   • Ideal for sensitive or irritated skin formulations, reducing redness and discomfort.

2. Oil Control:

   • Beneficial in products for oily and acne-prone skin due to its antimicrobial and sebum-regulating properties.

3. Antioxidant Protection:

   • Protects the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage, delaying signs of aging.

4. Skin Brightening:

   • Enhances skin tone by reducing dullness and evening out discoloration.

5. Hydration:

   • Polysaccharides provide moisturizing benefits, improving skin barrier function and elasticity.

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Industrial Applications

• Incorporated into natural and organic skincare formulations for its botanical origin and multifunctionality.
• Used in masks, serums, and creams targeting sensitive and stressed skin.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Biodegradability:

  • As a natural plant extract, it is fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

• Safety Profile:

  • Generally regarded as safe for topical use in regulated concentrations.
  • Rare cases of sensitivity may occur in individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family.

• Sustainability:

  • Responsible harvesting and cultivation practices ensure minimal environmental impact.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Kim J, Jung KH, Yan HH, Cheon MJ, Kang S, Jin X, Park S, Oh MS, Hong SS. Artemisia Capillaris leaves inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 May 8;18(1):147. doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2217-6. 

Abstract. Background: Natural product is one of the most important sources of drugs used in pharmaceutical therapeutics. Artemisia capillaris has been traditionally used as a hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, we extracted an ethanol fraction (LAC117) from the dried leaves of Artemisia capillaris and identified its anticancer activity and mechanism of action against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conclusions: The present study highlights that LAC117 could not only efficiently induce apoptosis, but also inhibit the growth of human HCC cells by blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that LAC117 would be a potentially useful drug candidate against HCC.

dela Peña IJ, Hong E, Kim HJ, de la Peña JB, Woo TS, Lee YS, Cheong JH. Artemisia capillaris Thunberg Produces Sedative-Hypnotic Effects in Mice, Which are Probably Mediated Through Potentiation of the GABAA Receptor. Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(4):667-79. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X1550041X. 

Abstract. The Artemisia group of plants has long been used as a traditional remedy for various conditions. The present study assessed the sleep-promoting (sedative-hypnotic) effects of Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (A. capillaris), and elucidated a possible mechanism behind its effect. ICR mice were given A. capillaris extract (oral) at different dosages (50, 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg), distilled water (oral; control), or diazepam (intraperitoneal; reference drug). One hour after administration, locomotion (open-field test) and motor coordination (rota-rod test) were assessed. The extract's effect on pentobarbital-induced sleep was also evaluated. Additionally, electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were measured in rats. To evaluate a possible mechanism behind its effects, changes in chloride ( Cl (-)) ion influx were measured in human neuroblastoma cells. As compared to the control group, mice treated with A. capillaris demonstrated significantly decreased locomotor activity and impaired motor balance and coordination. The extract also shortened the onset and lengthened the duration of sleep induced by pentobarbital sodium. These effects were comparable to that induced by diazepam. Furthermore, A. capillaris-treated rats showed increased delta and decreased alpha EEG waves; an electroencephalographic pattern indicative of relaxation or sedation. In neuroblastoma cells, the extract dose-dependently increased Cl (-) ion influx, which was blocked by co-administration of bicuculline, a GABAA receptor competitive antagonist, suggesting that its effects are mediated through the GABAA receptor- Cl (-) ion channel complex. Altogether, the results of the present study demonstrate that A. capillaris possesses potent sedative-hypnotic effects, which are probably mediated through potentiation of the GABAA receptor- Cl (-) ion channel complex.

Lee SH, Lee JY, Kwon YI, Jang HD. Anti-Osteoclastic Activity of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Extract Depends upon Attenuation of Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption-Associated Acidification Due to Chlorogenic Acid, Hyperoside, and Scoparone. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Feb 4;18(2):322. doi: 10.3390/ijms18020322. 

Abstract. The present study attempts to elucidate the anti-osteoporotic activity of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. in the form of anti-osteoclastic effect and responsible bioactive compounds. The contents of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, isochlorogenic acid A, and scoparone in Artemisia capillaris hydroethanolic extract (ACHE) were 38.53, 0.52, 4.07, 3.03, 13.90, and 6.59 mg/g, respectively. ACHE diminished osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption due to chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and scoparone. In addition, ACHE attenuated acidification as well as reducing tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression and its association with vacuolar H⁺-adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase). Furthermore, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and scoparone from A. capillaris abrogated the association of V-ATPase with TRAF6, suggesting that the blockage of bone resorption by A. capillaris was partially mediated by reducing acidification through down-regulating interaction of V-ATPase with TRAF6 due to scoparone as well as chlorogenic acid and hyperoside. These results imply that the anti-osteoclastic effect of A. capillaris through down-regulating osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption may contribute to its anti-osteoporotic effect.

Ha H, Lee H, Seo CS, Lim HS, Lee JK, Lee MY, Shin H. Artemisia capillaris inhibits atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in Dermatophagoides farinae-sensitized Nc/Nga mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Mar 14;14:100. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-100.

Abstract. Background: Artemisia capillaries Thunb. (AC) has been used to treat inflammatory and hepatic disorders such as hepatic injury, hepatic fibrosis and hepatitis. However, the efficacy of AC against atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory disease, has not been examined. In the present study, AC was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and anti-AD effects using both in vitro and in vivo systems.....Conclusions: Our results suggest that AC should be explored as a potential therapeutic agent to treat atopic dermatitis and analysis by HPLC will help to improve the quality of AC.

Ekiert H, Klimek-Szczykutowicz M, Rzepiela A, Klin P, Szopa A. Artemisia Species with High Biological Values as a Potential Source of Medicinal and Cosmetic Raw Materials. Molecules. 2022 Sep 29;27(19):6427. doi: 10.3390/molecules27196427. 

Abstract. Artemisia species play a vital role in traditional and contemporary medicine. Among them, Artemisia abrotanum, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia annua, Artemisia dracunculus, and Artemisia vulgaris are the most popular. The chemical composition and bioactivity of these species have been extensively studied. Studies on these species have confirmed their traditional applications and documented new pharmacological directions and their valuable and potential applications in cosmetology. Artemisia ssp. primarily contain sesquiterpenoid lactones, coumarins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Essential oils obtained from these species are of great biological importance. Extracts from Artemisia ssp. have been scientifically proven to exhibit, among others, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, cytotoxic, and digestion-stimulating activities. In addition, their application in cosmetic products is currently the subject of several studies. Essential oils or extracts from different parts of Artemisia ssp. have been characterized by antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. Products with Artemisia extracts, essential oils, or individual compounds can be used on skin, hair, and nails. Artemisia products are also used as ingredients in skincare cosmetics, such as creams, shampoos, essences, serums, masks, lotions, and tonics. This review focuses especially on elucidating the importance of the most popular/important species of the Artemisia genus in the cosmetic industry.

Chen Y, Zhang S, Qu L. The protective effect of Artemisia Capillaris Thunb. Extract against UVB-induced apoptosis and inflammation through inhibiting the cGAS/STING pathway. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2024 Sep;258:112989. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112989.