Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, primarily to treat fevers and malaria. Its active compound, artemisinin, is well known for its potent antimalarial effects. In recent years, there has been increasing scientific interest in its potential antiviral properties. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that artemisinin and related compounds possess activity against a variety of viruses, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and certain members of the herpesvirus family. Some in vitro studies have also shown inhibitory effects on viruses like SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, although robust clinical data in humans are still lacking.

Despite these promising laboratory results, clinical trials assessing sweet wormwood or artemisinin for the treatment of viral infections in humans are limited and largely inconclusive. The majority of evidence comes from preclinical research, with only a few small-scale human studies suggesting potential benefits. The mechanism by which artemisinin may exhibit antiviral effects is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve modulation of host immune responses and interference with viral replication. While there is a traditional basis for its use in treating fevers (some of which may be viral), and emerging laboratory evidence, current clinical evidence does not yet strongly support the use of sweet wormwood as a primary antiviral therapy.

In summary, while sweet wormwood demonstrates some antiviral activity in laboratory settings and has a long history of medicinal use, more rigorous human studies are needed before it can be recommended as an effective treatment for viral infections.

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