Research into combating the COVID-19 virus using Artemisia annua is promising and has continued since the end of the pandemic.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific research has intensified to find effective treatments against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among the avenues explored, Artemisia annua, a plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine and known for its action against malaria, has sparked great interest. Several preclinical studies and clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate its antiviral potential against COVID-19. Artemisia has shown encouraging results in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Several scientific studies suggest that its active compounds could play a key role in inhibiting the virus and strengthening the immune response.
Artemisia annua, a plant with multiple antiviral properties
Artemisia annua contains artemisinin, a compound with well-documented antimalarial properties, as well as flavonoids and other molecules with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In vitro research has suggested that extracts of this plant could inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2.
A study published in Scientific Reports (2020) showed that Artemisia annua extracts reduced viral replication in cell culture. Other work, particularly from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, indicated that artemisinin and its derivatives could interfere with viral proteases, which are essential for viral multiplication.
Scientific evidence of its action against COVID-19
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of Artemisia annua against SARS-CoV-2:
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An in vitro study conducted at Columbia University showed that certain compounds in the plant act in synergy to weaken the virus, reinforcing the idea of a direct antiviral effect.
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A study published in Scientific Reports (2020) confirmed that Artemisia annua extracts inhibit viral replication in cell culture, reducing its ability to infect human cells.
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Researchers at the Max Planck Institute (Germany) observed that artemisinin and its derivatives interfere with viral proteases, enzymes essential for viral multiplication.
Clinical trials and encouraging observations
Although more clinical studies are needed, some observations and preliminary trials support the effectiveness of Artemisia annua:
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In Madagascar, the Artemisia-based remedy (COVID-Organics) was widely used, with positive feedback on symptom reduction and faster recovery in some patients.
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In Africa, where Artemisia infusions have been used for prevention and early treatment, several doctors have reported a decrease in severe cases among exposed populations.
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A pilot study in Germany suggested that artemisinin could reduce lung inflammation related to COVID-19, making it an interesting candidate for limiting complications.
Mechanisms of action: how Artemisia annua could fight the virus
Researchers are exploring several avenues to explain the beneficial effect of Artemisia annua:
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Inhibition of viral replication (blocking viral proteases and polymerase).
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Modulation of the immune response, reducing the risk of a cytokine storm.
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Anti-inflammatory action, limiting lung damage.
Antiviral, virucidal and antioxidant properties of Artemisia annua
A study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy in 2023 yielded promising results regarding the antiviral, virucidal and antioxidant properties of the plant Artemisia annua:
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The crude extract of the plant demonstrated antiviral, virucidal and antioxidant effects on cells.
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Three active compounds were identified as antiviral agents: scopoletin, arteannuin B and artemisinic acid.
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The mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2 showed that the inhibition of viral infection originates from the synergy of the plant’s active proteins against the Spike protein and the 3CLpro protease, by interfering with the viral entry and replication pathways.
Perspectives and ongoing research
New studies are underway to evaluate the optimal efficacy of Artemisia annua, including:
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Randomized clinical trials to confirm its impact on viral load and symptom duration.
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Exploration of therapeutic combinations, such as pairing with other natural or synthetic antivirals.
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Optimization of extracts to maximize their concentration of active compounds.
Conclusion: a natural solution not to be overlooked
Current scientific evidence, although preliminary, suggests that Artemisia annua could be a valuable ally in the fight against COVID-19, particularly as a complementary or preventive treatment. As research progresses, this plant offers a glimmer of hope in the quest for accessible and effective solutions against viral infections.
Notes &
references
- Académie nationale de médecine (France). « Avis sur l’utilisation d’Artemisia annua et du « Covid-Organics » dans la lutte contre la COVID-19 ». Paris (France), Académie nationale de médecine, 2020.
- Baggieri, M., et al. (2023). Antiviral, virucidal and antioxidant properties of Artemisia annua against SARS-CoV-2. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, *168*, 115682. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115682
- Institut Malgache de Recherches Appliquées (IMRA). Covid-Organics : remise à la nation et lancement officiel. Antananarivo (Madagascar), IMRA / Présidence de la République de Madagascar, avril 2020.
- Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (Institut Max Planck). Artemisia annua to be tested against coronavirus. Potsdam (Allemagne), Max-Planck-Gesellschaft – Communiqué de presse, 7 avril 2020.
- Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) – Bureau régional pour l’Afrique. « Mise en garde concernant l’utilisation de l’Artemisia annua contre la COVID-19 ». Brazzaville (Congo), OMS/AFRO, 2020.
- Zhou, Yuyong, Kerry Gilmore, Santseharay Ramirez, Eva Settels, Karen A. Gammeltoft, Long V. Pham, Ulrik Fahnøe, et al. « In Vitro Efficacy of Artemisinin-Based Treatments against SARS-CoV-2 ». Scientific Reports 11, no. 1 (2021).
