Abstract

SYNERGISTIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CURCUMA LONGA AND ARTEMISIA VULGARIS: A REVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

Sandeep Kumar*, Mukesh Kumar Gupta, Deepali Tomar, Richa Ohri and Vani

ABSTRACT

Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) are both widely used in traditional medicine, with emerging evidence suggesting potential synergistic interactions when combined. Curcuma longa, rich in curcuminoids like curcumin, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties. Its mechanisms include modulating NF-κB signaling, enhancing antioxidant enzymes, and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Artemisia vulgaris contains sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, demonstrating antimalarial, anticancer, and gastroprotective activities. Preclinical studies highlight its anti-angiogenic effects in tumor models and hepatoprotective potential. Phytochemically, curcumin’s low bioavailability and stability may be mitigated by Artemisia’s bioactivecompounds, which could enhance absorption or potentiate shared pathways, such as NF-κB inhibition and ROS scavenging. For instance, curcumin’s ability to sensitize cancer cells to apoptosis might complement Artemisia’s direct cytotoxic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma. In metabolic disorders, Curcuma’s hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering actions could synergize with Artemisia’s antidiabetic properties, though clinical evidence remains sparse. Despite promising preclinical data, rigorous studies on their combined use are lacking. Future research should focus on standardized extracts, dose optimization, and clinical trials to validate efficacy and safety for applications in oncology, metabolic diseases, and inflammation management.

Keywords: Artimisia vulgaris, Curcuma longa, synergy, preclinical studies, phytochemicals etc.