Herbs & Botanicals · Southern African cough herb

African Wormwood

Artemisia afra · also called African wormwood, wilde-als, lengana, umhlonyane

African wormwood is a strongly scented leaf used in southern Africa as a tea or steam for coughs, colds and flu. No trial in people shows that it works for these. It has also been promoted for malaria, COVID-19 and tuberculosis, but the evidence is lab or mouse work only and the two trials that claimed benefit were retracted. The key caution: some plants are high in thujone, a compound that can cause seizures, and there is no safety data for pregnancy or children.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About African Wormwood

African wormwood (Artemisia afra) is a South African shrub brewed as a tea or inhaled as steam for coughs and colds. Its chemistry varies widely, with some plants rich in the seizure-causing compound thujone. Claims for malaria, COVID-19 and TB are not supported by valid human evidence.

What it is

African wormwood is a strongly scented shrub of the daisy family, used in southern Africa. The leaf is the part usually brewed as a tea. It is a different plant from sweet wormwood, absinthe wormwood and mugwort, although the African and sweet wormwoods look very alike.

Names include wilde-als, lengana and umhlonyane.

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What makes it distinctive

Its oil comes in very different forms. In a study across five South African sites, two plants had mostly alpha-thujone (62 to 74% of the oil), while three had little thujone and more 1,8-cineole and camphor. Thujone is a compound that blocks a calming receptor in the brain and can cause convulsions in animals.

It makes little or no artemisinin, the malaria drug compound of sweet wormwood, so it should not be treated as a source of it.

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What people use it for

Traditionally it is a winter tea or steam for coughs, colds and flu, and it has also been used for fever and malaria. Lengthy use is not proof that it works.

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What the research shows

A 2019 review found only weak lab and animal activity. Two trials in Africa that reported strong results were retracted in 2020 and cannot be relied on. A mouse study found no antimalarial effect.

For COVID-19 and TB, only lab and mouse work exists. The TB extract killed bacteria in a test tube but did not lower bacteria in infected mice. In isolated lungs, steam and extract improved lung function.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Coughs, colds and influenza (tea or steam)
Fever
Malaria (promoted; not supported by WHO)
Intestinal worms and general tonic

Studied for research

Coughs, colds and flu: traditional use only, no trials
Malaria: not supported; the positive trials were retracted
COVID-19: lab cell studies only
Tuberculosis: killed bacteria in test tubes, but no effect in infected mice
Airway opening and lung inflammation: lab and animal work

Main compounds

Thujone, a seizure-causing compound that varies by plant
1,8-Cineole and camphor (aromatic oil parts)
Luteolin, a flavonoid
Chlorogenic acid and scopoletin (marker compounds)

Common forms

Leaf tea (infusion)
Steam inhalation
Dried leaf or powder
Essential oil (not for swallowing)

Research links: Review: a controversial herbal remedy or treasure trove? (2019) · Essential oil variation and thujone, South Africa (2009) · Thujone toxicology review (2013) · Teas and liver enzymes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4, lab (2022) · Mouse malaria study (2024) · WHO on Artemisia for malaria (2019) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

The plant and its history

Accepted scientific name: Artemisia afra Jacq.
Naming authority: Jacq.
Common names: African wormwood (English); Wilde-als (Afrikaans); Lengana (Sesotho/Setswana); Umhlonyane (isiZulu/isiXhosa)
Botanical family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Classification: Plantae > Asterales > Asteraceae > Artemisia > Artemisia afra
Native range: Africa; most used in southern Africa. A precise native range was not confirmed in a source we read.
Habitat: Not described in the sources read.
What the plant looks like: Roots: Not described.; Stems: Woody twigs; the twigs were distilled for oil in one study.; Leaves: Highly aromatic; the leaf is the part used as an infusion.; Flowers: Not described.; Fruit: Not described.
Cultivation: Not verified.
Harvest and processing: Fresh or dried leaves; one study found alpha-thujone higher in dried than fresh leaves.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua); Note: Looks very similar and is the source of artemisinin. Per our existing summary, the two African species look very alike and teas are often sold without quality control. See the sweet wormwood page.; Name: Absinthe wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris); Note: Other Artemisia species; thujone is a shared concern. See their own pages.
Sustainability and conservation: Not assessed here.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Southern Africa, traditional	Infusion, steam or powder for coughs, colds, influenza and fever; promoted for malaria.	p31376515
2013 to 2019, South Africa	Sale for malaria was banned by the Medicines Control Council in 2013; a lawsuit followed in 2017 (as stated in a 2019 review).	p31376515
2018 to 2020, retracted trials	Two trials of Artemisia teas for schistosomiasis and malaria were published, criticised, and retracted in 2020.	p32972797
2020, COVID-19 pandemic	Artemisia teas and the Madagascan Covid-Organics drink were promoted; lab studies followed.	p34496903

Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Alpha-thujone PubChem 261491	monoterpene ketone	leaf and twig essential oil 62 to 74% of the oil at two sites; 3.7 to 20.0% at three others.	Convulsant in animals (GABA-A receptor blocker); the main safety concern. ^{14 15 16}	Animal research
1,8-Cineole PubChem 2758	monoterpene oxide	essential oil 13.0 to 49.5% of the oil at low-thujone sites.	Main oil component in low-thujone plants; effects of this plant's oil not shown in people. ^{14 16}	Laboratory research
Camphor PubChem 2537	monoterpene ketone	essential oil 13.9 to 21.2% at low-thujone sites; 0.1 to 0.6% at high-thujone sites.	Not studied for African wormwood here. ^{14 16}	Laboratory research
Luteolin PubChem 5280445	flavonoid	leaf extract Higher in the aqueous extract than in the crude leaf.	Contributed to airway-opening in isolated lungs. ^{6 16}	Animal research
Chlorogenic acid PubChem 1794427	phenolic acid	leaf infusion 0.68 to 14.68 micrograms/mg across samples.	Quality marker; varies with season. ^{13 16}	Laboratory research
Scopoletin PubChem 5280460	coumarin	leaf infusion 0.10 to 1.14 micrograms/mg across samples.	Quality marker only. ^{13 16}	Laboratory research
Artemisinin	sesquiterpene lactone	leaf 0 to 0.05 mg/g dry leaf in two African wormwood lines, versus 1.6 mg/g in a sweet wormwood line.	The malaria drug compound of sweet wormwood; very low or absent here. ³	Laboratory research

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
GABA-A receptor	GABA-A	Thujone blocks the receptor and causes convulsions in animals. ¹⁵	Animal research
Liver drug-metabolising enzymes	CYP2B6, CYP3A4	Teas of African wormwood reduced enzyme activity after the gene was transcribed. ³	Laboratory research
Airway smooth muscle	not identified	Luteolin contributed to better lung function in isolated lungs. ⁶	Animal research
Mycobacterial growth	not identified	Solvent extracts killed or slowed TB bacteria in culture. ^{5 12}	Laboratory research

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Not studied in people for African wormwood.
Distribution: Not studied.
Metabolism: Thujone is broken down mainly by CYP2A6, then CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 (human liver preparations).
Elimination: Not studied for this plant.
Bioavailability: Not established. The COVID-19 cell-culture authors noted it is unclear whether people can reach the levels used in the lab.

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Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Lab results come mostly from solvent extracts (dichloromethane), steam, nebulised extract and isolated compounds. These do not match a hot-water tea, and tea content varies widely by place and season. Results from one form should not be carried to another.

Nutritional composition

African wormwood is a medicinal herb, not a nutrient.

7benefits and uses looked at

20studies and sources checked

Low certaintybest evidence rating found

5lab markers tracked in trials

1 low certainty2 very low certainty2 not enough evidence2 evidence against

What is African Wormwood good for?

What African wormwood has been studied for and how strong the evidence is. Nothing here is proven in people.

Coughs, colds and fluNot enough evidenceTraditional tea or steam. No trial in people was found, so we cannot say it helps. MalariaEvidence againstWHO does not support Artemisia plants or teas for malaria. Two trials reporting benefit were retracted and a mouse study found no effect. Proven malaria medicines exist. COVID-19Not enough evidenceSome extracts reduced virus infection in cell cultures. This is not evidence that tea prevents or treats COVID-19. TuberculosisEvidence againstExtracts killed TB bacteria in test tubes, but did not lower bacteria in infected mice. It must not replace TB medicines. Opening the airwaysVery low certaintySteam and a nebulised extract improved lung function in isolated lungs, partly through luteolin. A lab organ model, not people. Calming lung inflammationVery low certaintyThe water extract appeared to calm early lung inflammation in TB-infected mice. A single mouse finding.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Coughs, colds and flu (traditional use)

Not enough evidence

In southern Africa African wormwood leaf is mostly brewed as a tea or inhaled as steam for coughs, colds and flu. This rests on tradition. We found no trial in people of the tea for these problems.

2 studiesTraditionally a leaf infusion or steam; no tested product.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No human trial of African wormwood for cough, cold or flu was found. A 2019 review described the traditional uses and found only weak activity in lab and animal tests.

Results

No human results exist.

Effect sizes as reported

None available.

Why this rating

Tradition and lab work only; no trial in people.

Form and dose studied

Traditionally a leaf infusion or steam; no tested product.

Who was studied

Used by adults and children in tradition, but no safety data exist for children.

Limits

Plant content varies a lot by place, season and drying, so one cup is not like another.

Why researchers looked

It is one of the most widely used home remedies in South Africa, so researchers have tried to find out whether anything in it could explain the use.

Traditional use

Used as an infusion, steam, or powder, mainly in winter, for coughs, colds, influenza and fever. Long use is not proof that it works.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not established. Airway-opening effects were seen in isolated animal lungs (see Airways), but nothing is known in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Some plants are high in thujone, which can cause seizures in animals. See the Safety tab.

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Malaria (claimed; not supported)

Evidence against

African wormwood tea has been promoted to prevent or treat malaria. WHO does not support Artemisia plants or teas for malaria. Two trials that reported strong results were retracted, and a mouse study found no effect.

6 studiesNot applicable.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

The only human trials reporting benefit (malaria and schistosomiasis, 2018 and 2019) were retracted in 2020 for ethical and methodological concerns. A 2024 mouse study found African wormwood powder did not clear malaria parasites, while sweet wormwood did. A 2019 review found lab activity 1000 to 10 000 times weaker than control drugs.

Results

No valid human result. Mouse study: no antimalarial effect from African wormwood.

Effect sizes as reported

None available.

Why this rating

WHO does not support its use; the positive trials were retracted; a mouse study was negative; proven malaria medicines exist.

Form and dose studied

Not applicable.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Cell-test activity at high levels does not show benefit in a person.

Why researchers looked

The related plant sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is the source of artemisinin, a malaria drug, so African wormwood was tested too.

Traditional use

Used traditionally for fevers and malaria in parts of Africa.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

African wormwood makes little or no artemisinin, so any activity would have to come from other compounds. This is unproven.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Relying on a tea instead of proven malaria treatment can be dangerous. See a doctor for fever in a malaria area.

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COVID-19 (lab cells only)

Not enough evidence

In a 2021 cell-culture study some Artemisia extracts reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection. That is a lab result. It does not show that tea prevents or treats COVID-19, and no trial in people was found.

2 studiesLab extracts, not tea.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None. The authors said it is unclear whether people can reach the levels needed after drinking a tea and that clinical studies are required. WHO Africa said herbal COVID-19 products need proper testing.

Results

Several extracts and Covid-Organics reduced infection in cell cultures at levels that did not harm the cells.

Effect sizes as reported

Not reported in the abstract.

Why this rating

Cell-culture finding only; one author group has a financial stake in a company that supplied a sample.

Form and dose studied

Lab extracts, not tea.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Abstract does not separate African from sweet wormwood results.

Why researchers looked

Artemisia teas and the Madagascan Covid-Organics drink were promoted in Africa during the pandemic.

Traditional use

A new use promoted in 2020, not a traditional one. Sources describe Covid-Organics as mainly sweet wormwood, so it says little about African wormwood.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Unknown. The study did not identify the active compounds.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use it instead of vaccination, testing or medical care for COVID-19.

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Tuberculosis (lab and mouse only)

Evidence against

Extracts of African wormwood killed tuberculosis bacteria in test tubes, but in infected mice the same type of extract did not lower the bacteria. There is no human evidence, and it must never replace TB medicines.

2 studiesSolvent extracts; not a tea.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None. A 2009 mouse study found no drop in lung or spleen bacteria with a dichloromethane extract or an active fraction, while standard TB drugs cleared the infection. A 2020 lab study found the dichloromethane extract killed the bacteria in culture, less strongly than sweet wormwood.

Results

Lab: kills TB bacteria in culture. Mice: no lowering of bacterial burden.

Effect sizes as reported

Culture IC50 about 270 to 290 micrograms/ml for the 2009 extract; none in mice.

Why this rating

The best animal test was negative; human data absent.

Form and dose studied

Solvent extracts; not a tea.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Solvent extracts do not match a water tea.

Why researchers looked

It is used for chest complaints in southern Africa, where TB is common.

Traditional use

Used for coughs and chest complaints; tradition does not show it treats TB.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Sesquiterpene lactones and other compounds in solvent extracts slowed or killed TB bacteria in culture.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Anyone with a cough lasting more than 2 weeks, fever, night sweats or weight loss should be tested for TB; do not delay proper treatment.

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Opening the airways (isolated lungs)

Very low certainty

Steam and an extract of African wormwood improved lung function in isolated perfused lungs, partly through the flavonoid luteolin. This is a lab organ model, not a study in people.

1 studiesSteam and nebulised extract in the lab; not a tea.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None.

Results

Dose-dependent improvement in lung function in isolated lungs; nebulised extract gave the largest effect.

Effect sizes as reported

Not given in the abstract.

Why this rating

Isolated animal organ model only.

Form and dose studied

Steam and nebulised extract in the lab; not a tea.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

No living-person data; inhaling hot steam has its own risks of scalds.

Why researchers looked

To test whether the traditional steam inhalation for chest complaints has a measurable airway effect.

Traditional use

Steam inhalation of the leaves is a traditional respiratory remedy.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Luteolin, a flavonoid, contributed to the airway-opening effect in the lab model.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not inhale the essential oil or strong steam from the plant without medical advice, especially with asthma.

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Calming lung inflammation (mice)

Very low certainty

In the TB mouse study, the water extract did not lower bacteria but appeared to calm lung inflammation early in infection. A single mouse finding.

1 studiesWater extract in mice.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None.

Results

Water extract regulated lung inflammation early in infection in mice.

Effect sizes as reported

Not given in the abstract.

Why this rating

Single mouse study, summary statement in the abstract only.

Form and dose studied

Water extract in mice.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Not shown to help people.

Why researchers looked

Researchers looked for effects on the body's inflammation response, not only on germs.

Traditional use

Used for coughs and chest complaints.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None specific.

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Safety signals in rodents (not a benefit)

Low certainty

A water extract made like the traditional decoction had low toxicity in mice and rats, and rats given it daily for 3 months showed no organ damage. Rodent results do not cover pregnancy, seizure risk or drug interactions.

1 studiesAqueous extract in rodents.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

None.

Results

Oral LD50 in mice 8.96 g/kg; no significant organ or blood changes in rats over 3 months apart from a transient drop in AST.

Effect sizes as reported

See results.

Why this rating

Single rodent study; thujone content not reported in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

Aqueous extract in rodents.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Rodents tolerate thujone differently from people; plants differ in thujone.

Why researchers looked

The plant is widely used with little formal safety testing.

Traditional use

Used as a decoction or infusion.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Not studied.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Low toxicity in a rodent test does not make the tea safe for everyone.

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Connections to the rest of health

How African Wormwood connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Immune Support	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	Coughs, colds and flu (traditional use): In southern Africa African wormwood leaf is mostly brewed as a tea or inhaled as steam for coughs, colds and flu. This rests on tradition. We found no trial in people of the tea for these problems. Malaria (claimed; not supported): African wormwood tea has been promoted to prevent or treat malaria. WHO does not support Artemisia plants or teas for malaria. Two trials that reported strong results were retracted, and a mouse study found no effect.	^{20 13 18 9 10 19 4}
Lung Support	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	Coughs, colds and flu (traditional use): In southern Africa African wormwood leaf is mostly brewed as a tea or inhaled as steam for coughs, colds and flu. This rests on tradition. We found no trial in people of the tea for these problems.	^{20 13}
Immune Support	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	COVID-19 (lab cells only): In a 2021 cell-culture study some Artemisia extracts reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection. That is a lab result. It does not show that tea prevents or treats COVID-19, and no trial in people was found. Tuberculosis (lab and mouse only): Extracts of African wormwood killed tuberculosis bacteria in test tubes, but in infected mice the same type of extract did not lower the bacteria. There is no human evidence, and it must never replace TB medicines.	^{11 17 12 5}
Lung Support	Preliminary mechanism	Very low certainty	Opening the airways (isolated lungs): Steam and an extract of African wormwood improved lung function in isolated perfused lungs, partly through the flavonoid luteolin. This is a lab organ model, not a study in people. Calming lung inflammation (mice): In the TB mouse study, the water extract did not lower bacteria but appeared to calm lung inflammation early in infection. A single mouse finding.	^{6 12}
Breathing Support	Preliminary mechanism	Very low certainty	Opening the airways (isolated lungs): Steam and an extract of African wormwood improved lung function in isolated perfused lungs, partly through the flavonoid luteolin. This is a lab organ model, not a study in people.	⁶

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Respiratory Health	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Coughs, colds and flu (traditional use) Studied for: Tuberculosis (lab and mouse only)	^{20 13 12 5 6}
Immune System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Coughs, colds and flu (traditional use) Studied for: Malaria (claimed; not supported)	^{20 13 18 9 10 19 4 11 17 12 5}
Hepatic System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Safety signals in rodents (not a benefit)	⁸

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹¹
TB bacteria in lung and spleen (mice)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: unchanged. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹²
Malaria parasites in mouse blood	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: unchanged. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁸
Lung function in isolated lungs	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁶
AST (liver enzyme) in rats	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁸

J. Genes, receptors and enzymes

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
CYP3A4 and CYP2B6	Preliminary mechanism	In vitro	Activity reduced by African wormwood teas in human liver preparations in the lab.	³
GABA-A receptor	Preliminary mechanism	Animal	Blocked by thujone; convulsions in animals.	¹⁵

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Thujone	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Convulsant in animals; content varies between plants. Preparation or compound: essential oil of some chemotypes	^{15 14}
Alpha-thujone	Biological association	Animal	Convulsant in animals (GABA-A receptor blocker); the main safety concern. Preparation or compound: leaf and twig essential oil	^{14 15 16}
1,8-Cineole	Biological association	In vitro	Main oil component in low-thujone plants; effects of this plant's oil not shown in people. Preparation or compound: essential oil	^{14 16}
Camphor	Biological association	In vitro	Not studied for African wormwood here. Preparation or compound: essential oil	^{14 16}
Luteolin	Biological association	Animal	Contributed to airway-opening in isolated lungs. Preparation or compound: leaf extract	^{6 16}
Chlorogenic acid	Biological association	In vitro	Quality marker; varies with season. Preparation or compound: leaf infusion	^{13 16}
Scopoletin	Biological association	In vitro	Quality marker only. Preparation or compound: leaf infusion	^{13 16}
Artemisinin	Biological association	In vitro	The malaria drug compound of sweet wormwood; very low or absent here. Preparation or compound: leaf	³

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 2 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Organ function1 Other1

The evidence

The research centre for African Wormwood. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Coughs, colds and flu (traditional use) 2 studies Not enough evidence Malaria (claimed; not supported) 6 studies Evidence against COVID-19 (lab cells only) 2 studies Not enough evidence Tuberculosis (lab and mouse only) 2 studies Evidence against Opening the airways (isolated lungs) 1 studies Very low certainty Calming lung inflammation (mice) 1 studies Very low certainty Safety signals in rodents (not a benefit) 1 studies Low certainty

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We built on our existing summary, read PubMed abstracts, and checked GBIF and PubChem. WHO and several 2025 papers were carried over from that summary and not re-opened. Most studies were read as abstracts only.

Study library: every study we checked 20

Design Research type Plant part Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Antibiotics (Basel) 2025 Conventional Antimicrobial and Medicinal Plants from a Traditional Medicine Market in South Africa Antibiotics (Basel) · Source	Laboratory research in-vitro	not applicable	African wormwood (Artemisia afra) aerial parts not given here not given here · vs none	Per our existing summary: in test tubes an African wormwood extract weakened the effect of several antibiotics, and one pairing was toxic to brine shrimp. Relevance to people is unknown. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Test-tube result carried over from our earlier summary and not re-opened. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: summary-only
GBIF 2026 GBIF species match: Artemisia afra Jacq. (key 8078031) GBIF · Source	Registry or database plant	not applicable	African wormwood (Artemisia afra) aerial parts not given here not given here · vs none	GBIF API on 2026-10-25: Artemisia afra Jacq. is ACCEPTED (exact match), family Asteraceae, order Asterales. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Taxonomy database record. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
Kane 2022 Artemisia extracts differ from artemisinin effects on human hepatic CYP450s 2B6 and 3A4 in vitro J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 35934190 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Human liver cells (HepaRG) and human liver microsomes	Hot-water teas of A. annua and two A. afra types versus artemisinin leaf teas not given here not given here · vs none	All the teas, including both African wormwood teas, reduced the activity of the liver enzymes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 in liver preparations. The authors said the effect was probably due to other plant chemicals, not artemisinin. Enzyme inhibition in the lab Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 gene activity, protein and enzyme activity Limitations: Cell and microsome study; concentrations may differ from what people reach; no human interaction study. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
Malaria Journal 2025 Assessment of the in vitro activity and selectivity of Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua aqueous extracts against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Journal · Source	Laboratory research in-vitro	not applicable	African wormwood (Artemisia afra) aerial parts not given here not given here · vs none	Per our existing summary: water extracts of African wormwood were active against malaria parasites in cell tests, including artemisinin-resistant ones, but only at high levels. In a human liver-cell test the African wormwood extract affected the cells at lower levels than sweet wormwood did. No published human efficacy data were noted. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Lab study carried over from our earlier summary and not re-opened. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: summary-only
Martini 2020 Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra extracts exhibit strong bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 32730878 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	M. tuberculosis and M. abscessus in culture	African wormwood dichloromethane extract (compared with A. annua extract) leaf extract (as studied) not given here not given here · vs none	The dichloromethane extract of A. afra, which makes very little artemisinin, killed M. tuberculosis in culture. The effect was substantial but weaker than that of A. annua. The authors said the extracts have potential and called for combination work with existing antibiotics. Killing in a test tube only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Minimum inhibitory concentration; bacterial killing in culture Limitations: Solvent extract that does not match a tea; culture only; authors' wording is optimistic and no animal or human data were given. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Mjiqiza 2013 Pulmonary effects and disposition of luteolin and Artemisia afra extracts in isolated perfused lungs J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 23920249 · DOI	Laboratory research animal	Isolated perfused lungs (animal organ model; species not given in the abstract)	African wormwood steam, nebulised aqueous extract, luteolin leaf (steam and extract) not given here not given here · vs none	Steam, nebulised extract and luteolin each gave dose-dependent improvements in lung function in the isolated lungs, with the nebulised extract giving the largest. The authors said luteolin contributes to the airway-opening effect and that the results support the traditional steam-inhalation use. Airway-opening effect in an isolated organ Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Lung function measures Limitations: Isolated organ, not a living person; inhalation, not drinking; no clinical data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Molecules 2025 Exploring the Phytochemical Diversity and Anti-Plasmodial Potential of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra from Different Geographical Locations in Cameroon Molecules · Source	Laboratory research plant	not applicable	African wormwood (Artemisia afra) aerial parts not given here not given here · vs none	Per our existing summary: the two species look very alike, teas in Cameroon are often sold without pharmaceutical quality control, A. afra made little or no artemisinin and was much less active against malaria parasites than A. annua in the lab. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Carried over from our earlier summary and not re-opened. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: summary-only
Mukinda 2007 Acute and chronic toxicity of the aqueous extract of Artemisia afra in rodents J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 17367969 · DOI	Animal research rodent	Mice (single doses) and rats (3 months)	African wormwood aqueous extract made to mimic the traditional decoction aerial parts (as studied) not given here not given here · vs none	In mice the oral LD50 was 8.96 g/kg (2.45 g/kg by injection). Rats given the extract daily for 3 months had no significant changes in behaviour, blood counts, chemistry, organ weights or tissue, apart from a transient drop in AST. The authors judged the extract non-toxic when given once and of low chronic toxicity potential in rodents. Low toxicity in rodents Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Deaths, behaviour, blood tests, organ weights and tissue under the microscope Limitations: Rodents only; the thujone content of the extract was not reported in the abstract; says nothing about pregnancy, seizure risk or interactions. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Munyangi 2020 Retraction notice: Effect of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions on schistosomiasis in a large clinical trial Phytomedicine · PMID 32972796 · DOI	Retraction notice	not applicable	Artemisia tea trial (retracted) not applicable not given here not given here · vs none	Notice that the 2018 Phytomedicine schistosomiasis trial of Artemisia teas was retracted. The notice in PubMed carries no reason text; the 2024 mouse study cites ethical and methodological concerns for the retraction of the companion malaria trial. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Retraction of a 2018 trial report Limitations: Retracted work must not be used as evidence of benefit. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: abstract
Munyangi 2020 Retraction notice: Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions vs. artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) in treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a large scale, double blind, randomized clinical trial Phytomedicine · PMID 32972797 · DOI	Retraction notice	not applicable	Artemisia tea trial (retracted) not applicable not given here not given here · vs none	Notice that the 2019 Phytomedicine malaria trial of Artemisia teas versus artesunate-amodiaquine was retracted. A 2024 mouse study states the retraction was due to ethical and methodological concerns. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Retraction of a 2019 trial report Limitations: Retracted work must not be used as evidence of benefit. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: abstract
Nie 2021 In vitro efficacy of Artemisia extracts against SARS-CoV-2 Virol J · PMID 34496903 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Cell cultures infected with SARS-CoV-2 or feline coronavirus	Artemisia plant extracts (A. annua and A. afra) and the Madagascan Covid-Organics drink plant extracts not given here not given here · vs none	Several extracts, and Covid-Organics, reduced SARS-CoV-2 and feline coronavirus infection at levels that did not harm the cells. The authors said it is unclear whether people can reach the blood levels needed after drinking teas, and that clinical studies are needed. Lab inhibition only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plaque reduction; cell toxicity Limitations: Cell culture; the abstract does not separate A. afra from A. annua results; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Conflict of interest: one author directs ArtemiLife Inc. and two authors hold a financial stake in a company that is a shareholder in it; that company supplied one sample Read: abstract
Ntutela 2009 Efficacy of Artemisia afra phytotherapy in experimental tuberculosis Tuberculosis (Edinb) · PMID 20006302 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Mycobacteria in culture and M. tuberculosis-infected mice	African wormwood water, methanol and dichloromethane extracts; a sesquiterpene lactone-rich fraction (C8) aerial parts (as studied) not given here not given here · vs none	Only the dichloromethane extract (and its fraction C8) slowed mycobacterial growth in culture (IC50 about 270 to 290 micrograms/ml for the extract; about 2 micrograms/ml for C8). In infected mice treated for up to 26 weeks, neither the extract nor C8 lowered the bacterial burden, while isoniazid/rifampicin cleared the infection by 8 weeks. The water extract did not lower bacterial numbers but appeared to calm lung inflammation early in infection. No effect on infection in mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Mycobacterial growth in culture; lung and spleen bacterial burden in mice Limitations: Mouse model; a tolerated dose may have been too low to matter; not a human study. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Olivier 2023 Geographical and seasonal phytochemical variation of Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. Phytochem Anal · PMID 36464634 · DOI	Other observational plant	Plant samples from different places over 12 months	African wormwood infusions (analysed by LC-MS/MS) leaf infusion not given here not given here · vs none	Marker compounds varied widely by place and month: for example chlorogenic acid ranged 0.68 to 14.68 micrograms/mg and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid 0.005 to 8.110 micrograms/mg. The infusion is mainly used for respiratory ailments. The authors stressed the need for quality control. Large natural variation Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Six marker compounds Limitations: Six markers only; thujone was not among them. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Oyedeji 2009 Compositional variation of the essential oils of Artemisia afra Jacq. from three provinces in South Africa--a case study of its safety Nat Prod Commun · PMID 19634335	Other observational plant	Twigs of wild plants from the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal	African wormwood essential oil (hydrodistilled) twigs not given here not given here · vs none	Alpha-thujone made up 62 to 74% of the oil at two sites (Philippolis and Keiskammahoek), with camphor very low. Three other sites had low alpha-thujone (3.7 to 20.0%), with 1,8-cineole (13.0 to 49.5%) and camphor (13.9 to 21.2%) as the main parts. Alpha-thujone rose significantly in dried leaves compared with fresh leaves. The authors concluded that not all A. afra is high in thujone. Wide chemotype differences between sites Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Oil composition by GC and GC-MS Limitations: Oil only, not tea; small number of sites; what ends up in a tea was not measured. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Pelkonen 2013 Thujone and thujone-containing herbal medicinal and botanical products: toxicological assessment Regul Toxicol Pharmacol · PMID 23201408 · DOI	Review mixed	Published toxicology of thujone	Thujone and thujone-containing herbal products (general) not applicable not given here not given here · vs none	Thujone blocks the GABA-A receptor and causes excitation and convulsions in animals in a dose-dependent way. Neurotoxicity is the main toxic outcome; the review calls its risk to humans a matter of ongoing debate. Thujone is broken down mainly by CYP2A6, then CYP3A4 and CYP2B6, so drug and gene interactions are possible. The authors' best estimates for allowable daily thujone intake from herbs and diet are of the order of 3 to 7 mg a day, and they list key gaps, especially human dose-effect data. Narrative review Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Neurotoxicity, metabolism, exposure limits Limitations: Not about African wormwood specifically; human data are missing. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract
PubChem 2026 PubChem compound records: thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphor, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, scopoletin PubChem · Source	Registry or database plant	not applicable	African wormwood (Artemisia afra) aerial parts not given here not given here · vs none	PubChem API on 2026-10-25: alpha-thujone CID 261491, beta-thujone CID 91456, 1,8-cineole CID 2758, camphor CID 2537, luteolin CID 5280445, chlorogenic acid CID 1794427, scopoletin CID 5280460 (names and formulas matched). not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Compound database record. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
WHO Regional Office for Africa 2020 WHO supports scientifically-proven traditional medicine WHO Regional Office for Africa · Source	Authoritative guidance mixed	not applicable	African wormwood (Artemisia afra) aerial parts not given here not given here · vs none	WHO Africa said herbal products for COVID-19 need proper scientific testing before use. Taken from our existing summary; the page was not re-opened for this profile. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Position statement; carried over from our earlier summary and not re-opened. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: summary-only
Walz 2024 In vivo antimalarial efficacy of Artemisia afra powder suspensions Phytomedicine · PMID 38761524 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Mice infected with Plasmodium berghei	African wormwood powder suspension versus A. annua and artemisinin aerial parts powder not given here not given here · vs none	Water suspensions of A. annua showed antimalarial activity in mice but A. afra did not. The authors said the experiments did not support the idea that A. afra holds an inactive 'pro-drug' that the body turns into an antimalarial. No antimalarial effect in mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Parasite clearance Limitations: Mouse malaria model; not a human study. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared Read: abstract
World Health Organization 2019 The use of non-pharmaceutical forms of Artemisia World Health Organization · Source	Authoritative guidance mixed	not applicable	African wormwood (Artemisia afra) aerial parts not given here not given here · vs none	WHO does not support using Artemisia plant material, including teas, to prevent or treat malaria, citing variable content, too little active compound and the risk of resistance. Taken from our existing summary; the page was not re-opened for this profile. not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Position statement; carried over from our earlier summary and not re-opened. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: summary-only
du Toit 2019 Artemisia afra, a controversial herbal remedy or a treasure trove of new drugs? J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 31376515 · DOI	Systematic review mixed	Literature 2009 to June 2019 on A. afra chemistry and biological activity	African wormwood extracts and compounds (lab, animal and two trials later retracted) aerial parts (as studied) not given here not given here · vs none	Reviewers found only weak activity in lab and animal tests (extracts and compounds 1000 to 10 000 times less active than control drugs). They said two recent trials had shown remarkably positive results but had been criticised for design, execution, statistics and ethics. They concluded lab and animal work gave no promising drug leads and that independent, well-designed trials would be needed. Both trials were retracted in 2020. Narrative review; no pooled estimate Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Weak activity in lab and animal tests; how the two since-retracted trials were viewed Limitations: Narrative review by two authors; written before the retractions; antimalarial focus. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract

What we do not know yet

No valid trial in people for any use.
No safety data for pregnancy, breastfeeding or children.
No human test of drug interactions.
Thujone content of the tea was not measured.
No EMA, LiverTox, NCCIH or LactMed record could be read.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Organ function 1

▼

AST (liver enzyme) in rats

Lowered in trials

A blood enzyme that rises when liver cells are damaged.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A basic liver safety check.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

No liver injury signal in rats; says nothing about people.

Safety implication

Human liver safety was not studied.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁸	Only a transient drop in AST over 3 months of daily extract in rats; no tissue changes.	Rats	African wormwood aqueous extract

⁸

Other 4

▼

SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture

Lowered in trials

How much virus infects lab cells (counted as plaques).

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A first lab screen for antiviral activity.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Lab screen only; not a result in people.

Safety implication

None for people from this test.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹¹	Several Artemisia extracts reduced infection without harming the cells.	Cell cultures	Artemisia plant extracts

¹¹

●

TB bacteria in lung and spleen (mice)

Unchanged in trials

The number of TB bacteria found in the lungs and spleen of infected mice.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The standard animal test of a TB treatment.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Negative animal result.

Safety implication

Using a herb in place of TB drugs could let TB progress.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹²	No change with the extract or fraction C8; isoniazid/rifampicin cleared the infection.	M. tuberculosis-infected mice	African wormwood dichloromethane extract or fraction

¹²

●

Malaria parasites in mouse blood

Unchanged in trials

The share of red blood cells carrying malaria parasites.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The standard mouse test of an antimalarial.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Negative animal result.

Safety implication

Relying on the herb for malaria is unsafe.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁸	Sweet wormwood powder showed activity; African wormwood powder did not.	P. berghei-infected mice	African wormwood powder suspension

¹⁸

●

Lung function in isolated lungs

Improved in trials

Airway measures such as how easily air moves in an isolated lung preparation.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

To test whether the steam opens the airways.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Organ-model only.

Safety implication

None established.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁶	Steam, nebulised extract and luteolin all improved lung function, dose-dependently.	Isolated perfused lungs	African wormwood steam or extract; luteolin

⁶

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 4

Thujone content varies a lot, and thujone can cause seizures. Some African wormwood plants are very high in the compound thujone and others are low. In one study of the oil from five places in South Africa, alpha-thujone made up 62 to 74% of the oil at two sites and 3.7 to 20% at three others. Thujone is a nerve toxin that causes convulsions in animals. You cannot tell by looking or tasting which plant you have. Anyone with epilepsy or a seizure history should avoid it. Other observational ^{14 15}
No safety data for pregnancy, breastfeeding or children. We found no study of African wormwood in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children, and no regulator record. Because of the thujone question and the lack of data, the cautious position is to avoid it in these groups. Other ¹⁵
Not a proven treatment for COVID-19, tuberculosis or malaria. The lab and mouse findings do not show it treats any infection. WHO does not support Artemisia teas for malaria. Do not use it instead of proper tests and medicines. Authoritative guidance ^{19 17 12 18}
It may interfere with liver enzymes that process medicines. Hot-water teas of African wormwood reduced the activity of the liver enzymes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 in a lab study. No study in people has tested interactions, so the effect on medicines such as HIV drugs or seizure drugs is unknown. Ask a pharmacist. Laboratory research ³

Side effects 3

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Seizures or convulsions (thujone-related, from animal data) Shown in animals with thujone; no human report for African wormwood was found. Risk depends on how much thujone the plant holds, which varies.	Not established	potentially serious Unknown	Animal research ¹⁵
Harm reports linked to Artemisia teas in general Per our existing summary, a 2025 paper cited case reports of harm with Artemisia teas and called for monitoring of African wormwood use. We did not open the case reports, so details are unknown.	Not established	not specified here Unknown	Other ⁴
Low toxicity in rodents Rats given the extract for 3 months had no organ damage. This does not predict effects in people.	Not established	none seen in rats not applicable	Animal research ⁸

Liver

No human case of liver injury from African wormwood was found, and LiverTox could not be read (the page was blocked). In rats a 3-month aqueous extract caused no liver changes. In a 2025 human liver-cell test the extract affected the cells at lower levels than sweet wormwood did, so a liver question is open. ^{8 4}

How often. Unknown.

Monitoring. No official monitoring advice found. Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness need prompt medical care.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that African Wormwood supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 4

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Medicines cleared by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 (this includes some HIV medicines, for example efavirenz and protease inhibitors, and many others) prescription	African wormwood tea lowered the activity of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 in human liver cells and microsomes in the lab. Thujone is itself cleared by CYP2A6, CYP3A4 and CYP2B6.	Unknown. No study of African wormwood with antiretroviral medicines was found; this is a theoretical concern from lab work.	Laboratory research Very low certainty ^{3 15}	If you take HIV medicines, tell your clinic or pharmacist before using it. Do not stop or change medicines yourself.
Seizure medicines (antiepileptics) prescription	Thujone blocks the GABA-A receptor and causes convulsions in animals, which in theory works against seizure control. Enzyme effects could also change drug levels.	Unknown. No human interaction study was found.	Pharmacological theory Very low certainty ^{15 3}	Avoid it if you have epilepsy and discuss with your doctor.
Antibiotics prescription	In a 2025 test-tube study an extract weakened several antibiotics.	Unknown for people.	Laboratory research Very low certainty ¹	Ask a pharmacist.
Herbs and supplements herbal	No interaction study found.	Not found.	Other Not enough evidence	Ask a pharmacist about other thujone-containing herbs, such as wormwood or sage, used at the same time.

Who should check first 4

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Epilepsy or other seizure history	Avoid it. Thujone can cause convulsions in animals and some plants are high in thujone. This is a precaution from animal data, not a regulator rule.	Animal research ^{15 14}
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	Avoid it. No safety data were found.	Other ¹⁵
Children	Do not give it to children without medical advice. No safety data were found.	Other
Taking HIV, seizure or other prescription medicines	Ask a pharmacist first because of possible liver-enzyme effects.	Laboratory research ³

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. Thujone is the main concern. In animals it blocks the GABA-A receptor and causes excitation and convulsions in a dose-dependent way. Estimates for an allowable daily thujone intake from herbs and diet are of the order of 3 to 7 mg a day (an exposure estimate for thujone from all sources, not advice about this plant).

Animal. Mice: oral LD50 8.96 g/kg of aqueous extract. Rats: no significant toxicity in 3 months apart from a transient drop in AST.

Human doses studied. Not given here.

High dose or long term signals. No human long-term data. Rats tolerated 3 months of the extract.

Overdose response. Not described for African wormwood; thujone overdose causes convulsions in animals.

Genotoxicity. Not found in the sources read.

Toxic plant parts. The thujone is concentrated in the essential oil of the leaves and twigs. Alpha-thujone was higher in dried leaves than fresh in one study. Essential oil should not be swallowed.

Thujone and other compound levels vary greatly by place and season, and look-alike plants and unregulated teas add uncertainty.

Chemotype variation (thujone-rich vs cineole/camphor-rich). Oil from five sites: alpha-thujone 62 to 74% at two sites; 3.7 to 20.0% at three sites with 1,8-cineole 13.0 to 49.5% and camphor 13.9 to 21.2%. ¹⁴

Season and place. Marker compounds in the infusion varied widely by location and month, and the authors urged quality control. Thujone was not measured. ¹³

Look-alike species and tea quality. Per our existing summary, African and sweet wormwood look very alike and teas in Cameroon were often sold without pharmaceutical quality control. ⁷

Body	Action	Date
South African Medicines Control Council (South Africa)	A 2019 review states the council banned the sale of African wormwood for malaria in 2013 because evidence of efficacy was lacking. source	2013

When to get medical help

Seizure, convulsions, confusion or blackouts after using it
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe tiredness
Fever in a malaria area, or a cough for more than 2 weeks with fever, night sweats or weight loss (get tested; do not rely on a herb)
Severe vomiting, tremor or extreme restlessness after a strong tea or oil

Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is African wormwood?

A strongly scented shrub from southern Africa. Its leaves are brewed as a tea or inhaled as steam for coughs and colds.

^{2 20}

Does African wormwood help coughs and colds?

It is a traditional remedy, but we found no trial in people. So we cannot say it works.

²⁰

Does it treat malaria?

No. WHO does not support Artemisia plants or teas for malaria. Two trials that reported benefit were retracted, and a mouse study found no effect. Use proven malaria medicines.

^{19 10 18}

Can it prevent or treat COVID-19?

There is no evidence in people. Some extracts reduced virus infection in lab cell cultures, which is only a first step. WHO Africa says herbal COVID-19 products must be properly tested.

^{11 17}

Does it treat tuberculosis?

No. Extracts killed TB bacteria in test tubes but did not lower the bacteria in infected mice. It must never replace TB medicines.

^{12 5}

What is thujone and why does it matter?

Thujone is an aromatic compound that blocks a calming receptor in the brain and causes convulsions in animals. Some African wormwood plants are very high in it and others are low, so you cannot know what is in a cup of tea.

^{15 14}

Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

We found no safety data, so it is best avoided.

¹⁵

Is it safe for children?

No safety data in children were found. Do not give it to children without medical advice.

¹⁵

Can it interact with medicines?

In the lab, African wormwood teas reduced the activity of liver enzymes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4, which process many medicines, including some HIV drugs. No test in people exists. Seizure medicines are also a concern because thujone can cause seizures. Ask a pharmacist.

^{3 15}

Is it the same as sweet wormwood or mugwort?

No. They are different Artemisia species. Sweet wormwood is the source of artemisinin. African wormwood makes little or none. See their own pages.

^{7 3}

Has it been tested for toxicity?

In rodents, a water extract had low toxicity, and rats had no organ damage after 3 months. That does not cover pregnancy, seizures or interactions in people.

⁸

How much should I take?

We cannot give amounts because no tested dose exists. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using it.

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We built on our existing summary, read PubMed abstracts, and checked GBIF and PubChem. WHO and several 2025 papers were carried over from that summary and not re-opened. Most studies were read as abstracts only.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.

Sources 20

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Antibiotics (Basel). Conventional Antimicrobial and Medicinal Plants from a Traditional Medicine Market in South Africa. Antibiotics (Basel). 2025. (summary-only)
GBIF. GBIF species match: Artemisia afra Jacq. (key 8078031). GBIF. 2026. (full-text)
Kane NF, Kiani BH, Desrosiers MR, Towler MJ, Weathers PJ. Artemisia extracts differ from artemisinin effects on human hepatic CYP450s 2B6 and 3A4 in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022. PMID 35934190. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115587. (abstract)
Malaria Journal. Assessment of the in vitro activity and selectivity of Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua aqueous extracts against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria Journal. 2025. (summary-only)
Martini MC, Zhang T, Williams JT, Abramovitch RB, Weathers PJ, Shell SS. Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra extracts exhibit strong bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020. PMID 32730878. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113191. (abstract)
Mjiqiza SJ, Syce JA, Obikeze KC. Pulmonary effects and disposition of luteolin and Artemisia afra extracts in isolated perfused lungs. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013. PMID 23920249. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2013.07.019. (abstract)
Molecules. Exploring the Phytochemical Diversity and Anti-Plasmodial Potential of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra from Different Geographical Locations in Cameroon. Molecules. 2025. (summary-only)
Mukinda JT, Syce JA. Acute and chronic toxicity of the aqueous extract of Artemisia afra in rodents. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007. PMID 17367969. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2007.02.011. (abstract)
Munyangi J, Cornet-Vernet L, et al.. Retraction notice: Effect of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions on schistosomiasis in a large clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2020. PMID 32972796. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153303. (abstract)
Munyangi J, Cornet-Vernet L, et al.. Retraction notice: Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra tea infusions vs. artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) in treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a large scale, double blind, randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2020. PMID 32972797. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153304. (abstract)
Nie C, Trimpert J, Moon S, Haag R, Gilmore K, Kaufer BB, Seeberger PH. In vitro efficacy of Artemisia extracts against SARS-CoV-2. Virol J. 2021. PMID 34496903. DOI 10.1186/s12985-021-01651-8. (abstract)
Ntutela S, Smith P, Matika L, et al.. Efficacy of Artemisia afra phytotherapy in experimental tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2009. PMID 20006302. DOI 10.1016/S1472-9792(09)70009-5. (abstract)
Olivier D, van der Kooy F, Gerber M. Geographical and seasonal phytochemical variation of Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd.. Phytochem Anal. 2023. PMID 36464634. DOI 10.1002/pca.3191. (abstract)
Oyedeji AO, Afolayan AJ, Hutchings A. Compositional variation of the essential oils of Artemisia afra Jacq. from three provinces in South Africa--a case study of its safety. Nat Prod Commun. 2009. PMID 19634335. (abstract)
Pelkonen O, Abass K, Wiesner J. Thujone and thujone-containing herbal medicinal and botanical products: toxicological assessment. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2013. PMID 23201408. DOI 10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.11.002. (abstract)
PubChem. PubChem compound records: thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphor, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, scopoletin. PubChem. 2026. (full-text)
WHO Regional Office for Africa. WHO supports scientifically-proven traditional medicine. WHO Regional Office for Africa. 2020. (summary-only)
Walz A, Lehmann U, Duthaler U, Maser P, Wittlin S. In vivo antimalarial efficacy of Artemisia afra powder suspensions. Phytomedicine. 2024. PMID 38761524. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155644. (abstract)
World Health Organization. The use of non-pharmaceutical forms of Artemisia. World Health Organization. 2019. (summary-only)
du Toit A, van der Kooy F. Artemisia afra, a controversial herbal remedy or a treasure trove of new drugs?. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019. PMID 31376515. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112127. (abstract)

Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.