Phytoconstituents, Botanical Features, Therapeutic Applications and Pharmacological Activities of Artemisia absinthium L.: An Exhaustive Review with Special Reference to the Unani System of Medicine

Artemisia absinthium L. (Wormwood), a medicinal herb of the family Asteraceae, has been extensively used in traditional systems of medicine, particularly the Unani system, for the management of a wide range of ailments. This review critically summarizes the botanical features, phytochemical profile, traditional applications, pharmacological activities, and safety aspects of A. absinthium based on classical Unani literature and contemporary scientific evidence. The plant contains a variety of bioactive constituents, including sesquiterpene lactones, essential oils, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, tannins, and organic acids, which are responsible for its diverse biological activities. Traditionally, A. absinthium has been employed as a digestive stimulant, stomachic, hepatoprotective, splenic tonic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, and general tonic. Experimental studies have substantiated many of these traditional claims by demonstrating significant digestive stimulant, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, cytotoxic, and limited antiprotozoal activities. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based formulations have further improved its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, particularly in hepatoprotection. Although therapeutic doses are generally well tolerated, excessive intake may cause thujone-associated neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal adverse effects, emphasizing the need for dose standardization. Overall, the available evidence highlights A. absinthium as a promising medicinal plant with substantial therapeutic potential. However, further well-designed preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to validate its efficacy, elucidate its mechanisms of action, and establish standardized, safe, and evidence-based therapeutic applications.