The potential of Artemisia species for use as broad-spectrum agents in the management of metabolic syndrome: a review

Abstract

Although the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors that predispose to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, is increasing globally, there is no broad-spectrum agent for its holistic treatment. Natural plant-derived products with a wide spectrum of biological activities are currently being explored as alternatives in the management of diseases. Artemisia species are a heterozygous group of plants of the Compositae family that possess several health benefits. Here we highlight their antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidaemic, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective properties among others. These activities have been linked to the presence of phytochemicals that act on several molecular targets to exert their effects and the species of Artemisia are considered to be relatively safe. Artemisia species offer significant anti-MetS activity and thus are strong therapeutic candidates for the effective management of MetS.

Keywords:

• Artemisia
• metabolic syndrome
• diabetes mellitus
• obesity
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

D.U. and K.A.A. acknowledge the postgraduate scholarship awarded to them by the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria [CAMRET/2019/MSc/SCH003; CAMRET/2019/MSc/SCH002].