Phytochemical components and biological activities of Artemisia argyi

Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant. (A. argyi) is a region-specific plant of northern temperate zones, especially in Asia. There is a long history of using A. argyi not only as an edible plant, but as dietary function material in East Asia. It has been found in A. argyi that there is a broad spectrum of nutrients comprising proteins, dietary fiber, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and multiple plant bioactives such as essential oil (EO), flavonoids, coumarins, organic acids, and polysaccharides. Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that A. argyi phytochemicals afford various health promoting potential, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anticoagulant, and anti-osteoporotic activities, as well as antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the nutrients and the health benefits of A. argyi, with an emphasis of the characteristic components, and a perspective of future needs in research and development of A. argyi.