Review
The génépi Artemisia species. Ethnopharmacology, cultivation, phytochemistry, and bioactivity
Abstract
Wormwoods (Artemisia
species) from the génépi group are, along with Edelweiss, iconic plants
of the Alpine region and true symbols of inaccessibility because of
their rarity and their habitat, largely limited to moraines of glaciers
and rock crevices. Infusions and liqueurs prepared from génépis have
always enjoyed a panacea status in folk medicine, especially as
thermogenic agents and remedies for fatigue, dyspepsia, and airway
infections. In the wake of the successful cultivation of white génépi (Artemisia umbelliformis
Lam.) and the expansion of its supply chain, modern studies have
evidenced the occurrence of unique constituents, whose chemistry,
biological profile, and sensory properties are reviewed along with the
ethnopharmacology, botany, cultivation and conservation strategies of
their plant sources.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Artemisia umbelliformis;
- Génépi;
- Cultivation;
- Sesquiterpene lactones;
- Eupatilin;
- Bitter receptors
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