Assessment of Artemisinin Contents in Selected <i>Artemisia</i> Species from Tajikistan (Central Asia)

• Main Authors: Sodik Numonov, Farukh Sharopov, Aminjon Salimov, Parviz Sukhrobov, Sunbula Atolikshoeva, Ramazon Safarzoda, Maidina Habasi, Haji Akber Aisa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-01-01
• Series: Medicines
• Subjects: <i>Artemisia</i> species; <i>Artemisia vachanica</i>; artemisinin; HPLC-PAD; Tajikistan
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/6/1/23

<b>Background:</b> Central Asia is the center of origin and diversification of the <i>Artemisia</i> genus. The genus <i>Artemisia</i> is known to possess a rich phytochemical diversity. Artemisinin is the shining example of a phytochemical isolated from <i>Artemisia annua</i>, which is widely used in the treatment of malaria. There is great interest in the discovery of alternative sources of artemisinin in other <i>Artemisia</i> species. <b>Methods:</b> The hexane extracts of <i>Artemisia</i> plants were prepared with ultrasound-assisted extraction procedures. Silica gel was used as an adsorbent for the purification of <i>Artemisia annua</i> extract. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection was performed for the quantification of underivatized artemisinin from hexane extracts of plants. <b>Results:</b> Artemisinin was found in seven <i>Artemisia</i> species collected from Tajikistan. Content of artemisinin ranged between 0.07% and 0.45% based on dry mass of <i>Artemisia</i> species samples. <b>Conclusions:</b> The artemisinin contents were observed in seven <i>Artemisia</i> species. <i>A. vachanica</i> was found to be a novel plant source of artemisinin. Purification of <i>A. annua</i> hexane extract using silica gel as adsorbent resulted in enrichment of artemisinin.