Comparative Phytochemical, Colloidal, and Antioxidant Profiling of Artemisia albida, Artemisia leucodes, and Artemisia scopaeformis: Potentials for Cosmeceutical and Nutraceutical Applications

<i>Artemisia albida</i>, <i>Artemisia leucodes</i>, and <i>Artemisia scopaeformis</i> were selected for this study based on their traditional medicinal uses and phytochemical profiles. <i>A. albida</i> exhibited the highest level of extractive substances (20.76%) and showed the greatest concentration of water-soluble polysaccharides (2.14%). Tannins, well known for their astringency and antioxidant activity, were most abundant in <i>A. scopaeformis</i> (2.81%) and <i>A. albida</i> (1.52%). The phenolics coumarins were concentrated in <i>A. scopaeformis</i> (6.49%) and <i>A. leucodes</i> (4.46%). Among the extracts, <i>A. leucodes</i> exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 13.53 μM, FRAP = 52.02 μmol TE/g), the highest SPF (23.24), and the most effective DNA protection (91.4%). It indicated a high level of biological effectiveness, with an SPF comparable to natural UV-protection agents and DNA protection exceeding 90%, suggesting potential. Molecular docking confirmed binding of catechin and epicatechin to glutathione peroxidase. Colloidal analysis revealed that hydrolates obtained from <i>A. albida</i> and <i>A. leucodes</i> have significant surface activity, reducing water surface tension to 40-50 mJ/m², whereas the hydrolate from <i>A. scopaeformis</i> had only a minor effect. Thus, <i>A. leucodes</i> is a strong candidate for multifunctional antioxidant, UV-protective, and skin-regenerating applications.