Comparative Phytochemical, Colloidal, and Antioxidant Profiling of Artemisia albida, Artemisia leucodes, and Artemisia scopaeformis: Potentials for Cosmeceutical and Nutraceutical Applications

TL;DR

This study compares three Artemisia species for their phytochemical and antioxidant properties, highlighting A. leucodes as a promising plant for cosmeceutical and nutraceutical uses.

Contribution

The study provides a comparative analysis of three Artemisia species for their potential in cosmeceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Findings

A. leucodes showed the strongest antioxidant activity and highest SPF, comparable to natural UV-protection agents.

A. leucodes demonstrated over 90% DNA protection, indicating high biological effectiveness.

Hydrolates from A. albida and A. leucodes significantly reduced water surface tension, showing good colloidal properties.

Abstract

Artemisia albida, Artemisia leucodes, and Artemisia scopaeformis were selected for this study based on their traditional medicinal uses and phytochemical profiles. A. albida exhibited the highest level of extractive substances (20.76%) and showed the greatest concentration of water-soluble polysaccharides (2.14%). Tannins, well known for their astringency and antioxidant activity, were most abundant in A. scopaeformis (2.81%) and A. albida (1.52%). The phenolics coumarins were concentrated in A. scopaeformis (6.49%) and A. leucodes (4.46%). Among the extracts, A. leucodes exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 13.53 μM, FRAP = 52.02 μmol TE/g), the highest SPF (23.24), and the most effective DNA protection (91.4%). It indicated a high level of biological effectiveness, with an SPF comparable to natural UV-protection agents and DNA protection exceeding 90%, suggesting potential. Molecular docking confirmed binding of catechin and epicatechin to glutathione peroxidase. Colloidal analysis revealed that hydrolates obtained from A. albida and A. leucodes have significant surface activity, reducing water surface tension to 40–50 mJ/m2, whereas the hydrolate from A. scopaeformis had only a minor effect. Thus, A. leucodes is a strong candidate for multifunctional antioxidant, UV-protective, and skin-regenerating applications.

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