Artemisia Spp. Ethnobotany, Economics, Taxonomy, and in Ayurveda, in India

Authors: Shah NC

DOI: 10.23880/jonam-16000339

Volume 6, Issue 1

Abstract

There are about 45 Artemisia species reported to be found in India. This communication tries to find the ethnobotanical (use as incense and in medicine), economical (as a drug & essential oil), the taxonomic and the Ayurvedic status of Artemisia species found in India. It reports the conversion of few Artemisia species to the rank of Serephidium and also reports two new species viz., Artemisia austro-himalayana sp.nov.; Artemisia filiformilobulata sp.nov. Collected by the author which is used as a sacred plant in the region from where it was reported. The well-known species of Artemisia annua, which yields artemisinin as a new anti-malarial drug that was awarded the Nobel Prize of 2015 to the scientist, who worked on it is also discussed. 

Keywords: Artemisia annua; Artemisia astro-himalayana sp.nov; Artemisia filiformilobulata sp.nov; Essential oil; Nobel Prize; Serephidium brevifolium

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