Edible plant Artemisia argyi H.Lév. & Vaniot: An in vitro study on its anti-Helicobacter pylori effect

A. argyi is a renowned herb widely used in food and medicine, offering significant economic benefits. H. pylori , a known carcinogen, is associated with numerous diseases. Current treatments primarily rely on antibiotics, but rising resistance has reduced their efficacy. The activity and mechanisms of A. argyi against H. pylori infection remain unclear. A. argyi exhibited strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against multiple H. pylori . It demonstrated no antagonistic effects when combined with antibiotics and disrupted H. pylori morphology and structure, downregulated various virulence genes, and inhibited urease activity. In co-culture systems, A. argyi reduced H. pylori adhesion, urease levels, and NO production, indicating immunomodulatory activity. Among the five components of A. argyi with anti- H. pylori activity, jaceosidin exhibited the strongest effect (MIC: 10 μg/mL), followed by eupatilin. Methylation of jaceosidin reduced its anti- H. pylori activity. A. argyi is an edible herb with anti- H. pylori activity and excellent safety. • Phytochemical constituents of A. argyi were analyzed. • A. argyi kills H. pylori , inhibits urease and virulence genes, reduces adhesion, and regulates immunity. • The study innovatively identified jaceosidin, as having strong direct anti- H. pylori activity, with MIC of 10 μg/ml.