A short review on Artemisia maritima Linn.

Abstract

Over the past decade, herbal and ayurvedic drugs have become a subject of world importance, with both medici- nal and economical implications. A regular and widespread use of herbs throughout the world has increased seri- ous concerns over their quality, safety and efficacy. Thus, a proper scientific evidence or assessment has become the criteria for acceptance of herbal health claims. Artemisia maritima has traditionally been used in mountain, tropical regions and appreciated for centuries; however its biological properties are only beginning to be elucidat- ed scientifically. There is ample of data to suggest potent properties of this plant and its compounds which have been used to explain most of its observed biological activities. However, emerging evidence suggests that Artemi- sia maritima could be useful plant for the treatment of serious life threatening diseases. The traditional claims, phytochemical investigations, pharmacological evaluation provide the backbone to make this plant as potent against diseases. Emerging evidence also suggests that search is still continuing for harnessing active compounds from nature in combating human illnesses and it also leads the path to search out new active natural and novel synthetic compounds. We summarized the progress of our current research knowledge on Artemisia maritima Linn. and its observed biological activities. It is our hope that this review will stimulate further research for eluci- dating and appreciating the value of this nature's wonder agent.