Artemisia and artemisinin are not the same, although they are closely related.
- Artemisia refers to a genus of plants that includes a variety of species, such as Artemisia annua, commonly known as sweet wormwood or Qinghao. This plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
- Artemisinin is a compound that is extracted from the leaves and flowers of Artemisia annua. It is a bioactive substance known for its potent antimalarial properties and has also been studied for potential applications in treating other conditions, such as certain types of cancer and parasitic infections.
So, while artemisinin is derived from Artemisia, they are not the same thing; Artemisia is the plant, and artemisinin is a chemical compound found within that plant.
Artemisinin is generally considered stronger than Artemisia in terms of its targeted therapeutic potency. Here’s how they compare:
- Artemisia (e.g., Artemisia annua): The whole plant contains a range of bioactive compounds, including artemisinin, but also other compounds like flavonoids, essential oils, and polyphenols. While these additional compounds may offer various health benefits, their concentrations are lower, making the overall effect less concentrated when compared to using pure artemisinin.
- Artemisinin: This is the isolated compound extracted from Artemisia annua and is known for its strong antimalarial and potential anticancer properties. The concentrated form allows for more precise dosing and a targeted effect, which is especially important in medical treatments. Because it is purified, artemisinin acts more powerfully and predictably than the whole plant extract.
You may find Artemesia Annua in tincture form as well. Read the label and carefully evaluate dosing.
You may also find some brands of Essential Oils that offer “Wormwood”. YL does not. Remember essential oils are far more concentrated and we know that many brands are not pure quality essential oils – therefore not recommended for use as a stand alone product for dogs.
High doses of wormwood can be toxic to dogs. They are safe in proper dosing. So please read the labels and dose carefully.