Mugwort - from folk remedies to modern research: A new direction in supporting the treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis
In traditional medicine, many medicinal plants have proven to be effective in treating diseases, especially chronic diseases such as bone and joint diseases. One of them is mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.), known for its effects in treating arthritis and gout. Although there have been some studies on mugwort growing in Vietnam, research on the chemical composition and anti-arthritic and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of this plant is still limited.
To further demonstrate this effect, and at the same time build a scientific basis for developing products from mugwort, Associate Professor, Dr. Le Tien Dung and the research team of the Institute of Advanced Technology - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have implemented the topic: "Research on the chemical composition and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, anti-inflammatory, cartilage protection of mugwort, creating products to treat gout and rheumatoid arthritis" (code VAST04.02/23-24). The research not only provides a scientific basis but also opens up a new direction for the development of herbal health care products that are safe and effective.
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Tien Dung in the laboratory
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Tien Dung said: “Unlike Western medicine which relies on one main active ingredient, herbs often exert their effects through the combination of many natural substances in the plant. This makes them safer, but also poses a big challenge for research, because the chemical composition can change depending on the method of growing, harvesting or processing. Therefore, our goal is to build a stable, clear testing process to turn folk remedies into quality scientific products and bring high practical application value.”
The highlight of the research is the standardization of raw materials and the development of a stable wormwood extract process, which helps to retain the maximum beneficial active ingredients, focusing on compounds that can inhibit xanthine oxidase. Thanks to the application of modern technology, the group has created wormwood extract that meets standards, is clean of microorganisms, does not contain heavy metals and ensures safety during storage.
The team conducted many experiments on cell and animal models to verify the effects of mugwort. The results showed that mugwort extract extracted with ethyl acetate solvent has the ability to reduce inflammatory mediators and eliminate free radicals - the main agents causing cell damage. In particular, the isolated natural compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin and apigenin showed the ability to strongly inhibit uric acid-forming enzymes, with an effect equivalent to allopurinol - a drug commonly used in the treatment of gout.
Fluorescence imaging showed that wormwood extract (100 µg/mL) reduced oxidative stress in cells
Animal testing results show that wormwood extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg has an acute anti-inflammatory effect equivalent to diclofenac - a common anti-inflammatory drug. At the same time, wormwood extract also inhibits xanthine oxidase - the direct cause of increased uric acid causing gout with an effect equal to the widely used drug allopurinol. In particular, toxicity tests show that even at high doses, wormwood extract is still safe, does not harm the liver, kidneys or blood, opening up the prospect of long-term application in supporting the treatment of gout and arthritis.
Microscopic structure of rat liver cells in the group treated with optimal mugwort extract
Microscopic structure of rat kidney cells in the group treated with optimal mugwort extract
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Le Tien Dung: “Research shows that mugwort contains many important groups of substances such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. In particular, these compounds are most concentrated in the ethyl acetate extract, where the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects are clearly demonstrated. Thanks to the combination of effects on many different mechanisms, mugwort has a more comprehensive effect, both reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals, instead of relying on just a single active ingredient.”
Research results show that mugwort has the potential to support the treatment of arthritis and gout, while helping to eliminate harmful free radicals in cells. Among the extraction methods, the ethyl acetate solvent fractionation (AVEA) is the most highly evaluated, thanks to its many beneficial active ingredients with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and uric acid enzyme inhibition effects.
The team also studied mugwort essential oil and identified valuable compounds such as 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, borneol with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The results were published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Natural Product Communications, confirming the potential for developing gout and arthritis treatment support products from this familiar medicinal plant.
Standardized mugwort extract
Scientists have also developed a method to quantify the main active ingredients in mugwort, contributing to standardizing and controlling the quality of raw materials, ensuring stability when applied. In the coming time, the group will continue to test the long-term safety and effects on biochemical indicators, as a basis for applying mugwort extract to support the treatment of gout and arthritis. Currently, standardized mugwort extract has been stored at the Institute of Advanced Technology. With its stability, clear biological effectiveness and proven safety, this preparation promises to be developed into a pill or support product for people with gout, arthritis and diseases related to aging and free radicals.
Translated by Quoc Khanh
Link to Vietnamese version
