Artemisia Capillaris Powder is derived from the finely ground aerial parts of Artemisia capillaris, a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine. Renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, this powder is commonly utilized in cosmetics to calm irritated skin, protect against environmental stressors, and regulate sebum production. Its versatility makes it a popular choice in skincare products, especially those formulated for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Artemisia Capillaris Powder contains several bioactive compounds, including:

• Flavonoids: Luteolin and quercetin, which provide potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Coumarins: Scoparone and umbelliferone, known for their soothing and calming properties.
• Essential Oils: Such as cineole and camphor, contributing antimicrobial and refreshing effects.
• Polysaccharides: Help maintain skin hydration and reinforce the skin barrier.
• Phenolic Acids: Support the extract’s protective and rejuvenating effects.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Fine powder, light yellow to amber in color.
• Odor: Herbal and slightly woody.
• Solubility: Insoluble in water but may be used in combination with other ingredients in formulations.
• Stability: Stable under neutral to slightly acidic pH conditions; sensitive to heat and prolonged exposure to light.

Production Process

• Harvesting: The aerial parts of the plant are collected at peak growth for optimal bioactive content.
• Drying and Grinding: The plant material is dried and then finely ground into powder form.
• Purification: The powder is purified to remove impurities, ensuring a high-quality product.
• Standardization: The final powder is standardized to ensure consistent levels of key bioactives, such as flavonoids and coumarins.

Applications

Medical Applications

• Anti-inflammatory Treatments: Used in traditional remedies to reduce swelling and irritation.
• Antimicrobial Action: Helps prevent infections and promotes the healing of skin wounds.
• Liver Support: Traditionally used in herbal medicine for its hepatoprotective properties.

Cosmetics

• Soothing and Calming: Reduces redness and discomfort, especially in sensitive or irritated skin.
• Sebum Regulation: Helps control oil production, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Antioxidant Protection: Shields the skin from oxidative stress and environmental aggressors, aiding in anti-aging treatments.
• Brightening Effect: Improves skin tone by reducing dullness and enhancing clarity.
• Hydration: Enhances moisture retention and strengthens the skin barrier.

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Industrial Applications

• Used in natural and organic skincare products for its multifunctional benefits and botanical origin.
• Commonly found in masks, toners, and serums addressing various skin concerns.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Biodegradability: As a natural plant-derived powder, it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• Safety Profile: Safe for cosmetic use within regulated concentrations. As with all plant-based ingredients, individuals with sensitivities to Asteraceae family plants should use with caution.
• Sustainability: Cultivated and harvested responsibly to reduce 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.