Unlocking the power of sesquiterpenoids: phytochemistry and bioactivities in Artemisia (2017–2023)

The genus Artemisia belongs to Asteraceae family. Many species of this genus have been used as traditional medicine for a long time in Asian countries. Sesquiterpenoids, one of the most important groups of natural compounds, are abundantly found in this genus. The modern pharmacological experiments showed miscellaneous biological activities of these compounds. The purpose of this review is to provide information on traditional usage, phytochemistry, and biological activity of the Artemisia species and to identify future research directions for these plants. Our comprehensive review covers the published literature through the period from 2017 to 2023 and provides a complete survey of nearly all the studied species up to date. The literatures report seven hundred and fifteen sesquiterpenoids in the Artemisia genus, which were classified as eudesmane-type, guaiane-type, cadinane-type, germacrane-type, oplopane-type, seco-guaianolide-type, bisabolane-type, farnesane-type, rearranged cadinene, iphonane, cedrane, rare type sesquiterpenoid, dimeric-sesquiterpenoid and trimeric-sesquiterpenoid. The bioactivities of individual compounds, both in vitro and in vivo, include anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antifibrotic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungus, antiviral, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. This review discusses the names, chemical structures, corresponding plant sources and bioactivities of these compounds from Artemisia species over the past seven years (2017–2023). The rich profile of biologically active compounds isolated from Artemisia species might be a valuable resource for inspiring the rational development of novel therapeutic drugs.