IngredientsArtemisia anomala S. Moore is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Artemisia within the family Asteraceae (also known as Compositae). It is categorized in the Artemisia genus of the Compositae family. In Chinese, it is known as Liu Ji Nu (劉寄奴). A variant form known as "Nan-Liu-Ji-Nu" is the name applied specifically to this southern species in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, it is indeed known as "Nan-Liu-Ji-Nu" to distinguish it from northern variants used in related applications.
The plant's formal binomial authority is S. Moore, reflecting its original taxonomic description. Its Latin pharmaceutical name for the dried plant material is Herba Artemisiae Anomalae. The Chinese herb Liu Ji Nu is the dried aerial parts of Artemisia anomala (sometimes referred to as "diverse wormwood"), a perennial herb native to South China and Taiwan that blooms in the late summer and fall with spikes of yellow flowers.
Morphologically, Artemisia anomala is a perennial grass 80 to 150 cm high; the upright stems are often branched above the middle part, with a puberulent upper part bearing inflorescence branches; the lower leaves wither and fall during flowering time, while central leaves are nearly leathery, oblong or ovate-lanceolate, 7 to 11 cm long and 3 to 4 cm wide; achenes are small, oblong, and glabrous.
Within the broader context of the genus, the genus Artemisia consists of approximately 500 species within the large family Asteraceae. Most Artemisia species are perennial, biannual, or annual herbaceous ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plants or shrubs.
The plant is a perennial herb native to South China and Taiwan. Artemisia anomala S. Moore (family: Asteraceae) is a traditional herb that has been used for medicinal purposes in China for more than 1300 years. According to existing phytochemical studies, almost all the active components have been isolated from the whole plant of A. anomala.
The medicinal material consists of the dried aerial parts of the plant. In traditional and modern commerce, the herb is encountered in several forms:
Artemisia anomala S. Moore has been used for medicinal purposes in China for more than 1300 years. The medicinal record of A. anomala was first recorded in the plant monograph "Xin Xiu Ben Cao" in the Tang Dynasty (659 AD), where it is described as having "the function of breaking blood and eliminating accumulation," and was used in the treatment of rheumatism, postpartum lochia, carbuncle, hematuria, abdominal pain, traumatic bleeding, and other diseases.
Known as "Liu Ji Nu" in Chinese, the herb has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries; its name originates from Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty, who reportedly discovered the herb's medicinal properties while hunting.
Within the TCM framework, A. anomala is classified as a blood-invigorating herb. In traditional and local medicine, A. anomala is widely used in the treatment of rheumatic conditions, dysmenorrhea, enteritis, hepatitis, hematuria, and burn injury, and is also considered a natural botanical supplement in some areas — a traditional herb with both medicinal and edible properties.
Traditional applications include treatment of a wide range of conditions: rheumatism, dysmenorrhea, postpartum lochia, carbuncle, sore, traumatic bleeding, fall injury, hematuria, hematochezia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia.
In the classical TCM paradigm, the herb is said to "break up blood stasis and open the channels." It is commonly used to address amenorrhea with abdominal pain and postpartum abdominal pain, and disperses blood stagnation and relieves pain. The herb is also considered aromatic in nature and enters the Spleen channel to address abdominal pain and eliminate food stagnation that causes indigestion.
In modern clinical practice within the TCM tradition, A. anomala is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, traumatic bleeding, hepatitis, soft tissue contusion, burn, and scald.
A. anomala is also considered a natural botanical supplement in some areas and is a traditional herb with both medicinal and edible properties. In some areas of southern China, the sun-dried leaves are prepared into a health drink — brewed as a decoction or steeped in hot water as a tea — with reputed effects of preventing heatstroke and promoting digestion.
At present, 125 compounds have been isolated from A. anomala, including terpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, volatile oils, and other compounds. The following major chemical classes have been characterized:
Terpenoids represent a primary and pharmacologically active class within A. anomala. Guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactones are among the most notable. From the aerial parts, guaianolides including artemanomalides A and B (specifically 2-oxo-5α,10α-dihydroxy-guaia-3-en-1α,6β,7α,11βH-12,6-olide and 8α-acetoxy-2-oxo-5α,10α-dihydroxy-guaia-3,11(13)-dien-1α,6β,7αH-12,6-olide) have been identified, with reported anti-anoxia, blood-activating, stasis-dissipating, and antimicrobial activities.
Dimeric guaianolides and sesquiterpenoids extracted from the aerial parts of Artemisia anomala can suppress cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)-associated effects; prostaglandin-like fatty acid derivatives named anomalone A–D were also isolated from Artemisia anomala.
More recently, phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract from A. anomala twigs and leaves led to the isolation of four previously unreported compounds, including a phytyl melilotic acid ester designated as artemanoin A (1) and three chromomoric acid derivatives named anomalones E–G (2–4); their structures were established through spectroscopic characterization (HRESIMS, 1D/2D NMR) and quantum chemical calculations; notably, artemanoin A represents an acyclic diterpenoid featuring an unusual ester linkage with melilotic acid, a structural motif rarely encountered in natural products.
Flavonoids constitute a major and pharmacologically significant class. Many bioactive components of A. anomala, such as quercetin and apigenin, have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. Additional flavonoids documented in the broader Artemisia anomala phytochemical literature include luteolin, naringenin, hesperetin, chrysoeriol, diosmetin, jaceosidin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and acacetin, as referenced in the bioactive compounds literature for the genus. Eupatorin, a naturally occurring polymethoxyflavone, is found in Artemisia anomala and has been noted for broad-spectrum pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer processes.
Among the 125 isolated and identified compounds, phenylpropanoids represent one of the defined structural classes. This group encompasses caffeic acid derivatives and related cinnamic acid compounds that contribute to the herb's antioxidant profile.
Volatile oils (compounds 73–106 in the catalogued isolates) constitute a separate and substantial class within the phytochemical profile of A. anomala. Artemisia species generally possess a pungent smell and bitter taste due to the presence of terpenoids and sesquiterpene lactones in their essential oils. The chemical composition of the essential oil of A. anomala from China has been described in dedicated essential oil research literature, referenced in broader genus reviews.
Triterpenoids (compounds 27–38 in the systematic classification) represent an additional isolated class from A. anomala. The genus broadly yields phytosterols including β-sitosterol, documented across multiple Artemisia species and referenced in chemical constituent studies of A. anomala.
The active components from A. anomala include terpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, volatile oils, and other compounds. The therapeutic potential of Artemisia species derives from a multitude of phytoconstituents, including terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones, lignans, and alkaloids that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The best-characterized pharmacological mechanism of A. anomala extracts is suppression of inflammatory signaling through multiple, partially overlapping pathways.
NF-κB and MAPK Pathway Inhibition: In laboratory studies, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, n-BuOH, and aqueous extracts were prepared from the ethanol extract; comparing anti-inflammatory effects, the ethyl acetate extract (EAFA) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS/IFN-γ–stimulated RAW264.7 cells, suppressing NO production in a time- and dose-dependent manner without eliciting cytotoxicity. EAFA increased total cellular antioxidant capacity while reducing the amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in stimulated cells, and also suppressed the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 while elevating the level of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). These events were associated with NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways: the DNA binding activity of p50/p65 was impaired, and the activities of both ERK and JNK were decreased in EAFA-treated cells, suggesting that EAFA exerts its anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting iNOS expression.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibition: The ethanolic extract of A. anomala (EAA) demonstrated potential for inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS-primed macrophage models. Findings reveal that EAA exerts anti-inflammatory effects by both suppressing the NLRP3 priming step and protecting lysosomes to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting potential for treatment of NLRP3-driven inflammatory diseases.
Inhibition in Keratinocyte Inflammation: In human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, the ethanol extract of A. anomala (EAA) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory reaction involving the NF-κB, STAT-1, and MAPK signaling pathways as well as atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. EAA treatment significantly decreased the productions of RANTES, IL-8, TARC, and IL-6 to 21%, 22.5%, 24.5%, and 8.2% at 50 µg/mL, respectively. IκB-α degradation induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulation was significantly recovered by pretreatment with EAA, and the levels of phosphorylated STAT-1 were significantly reduced after EAA treatment.
COX-2 Inhibition: Dimeric guaianolides and sesquiterpenoids extracted from the aerial part of Artemisia anomala can suppress cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)–associated effects.
EAFA increases total cellular antioxidant capacity in stimulated macrophage cells. The flavonoid constituents, including quercetin and apigenin, are well-recognized free-radical scavengers. These bioactive components have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects.
Modern studies have confirmed that the active components of A. anomala have significant pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective activity. The mechanistic basis for hepatoprotection is attributed in the broader scientific literature to suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and antioxidant effects in hepatic tissue.
Modern studies have confirmed that active components of A. anomala have significant pharmacological activities including anti-platelet aggregation. Anti-platelet activity within the genus is generally attributed to terpenoid and flavonoid constituents that interfere with thromboxane synthesis and platelet activation pathways.
In biological evaluations, chromomoric acid derivatives anomalones E–G (compounds 2–4) isolated from the ethanol extract of A. anomala twigs and leaves demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, while none of the isolated compounds exhibited cytotoxic activity against the tested cancer cell lines at concentrations up to 50 µM.
Important caveat: As explicitly noted by the authors of the primary review of this species, modern studies have confirmed significant pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, hepatoprotective, anti-platelet aggregation, and antioxidation properties; however, evidence for A. anomala is insufficient and more mechanism-based pharmacological evaluation and clinical research should be carried out to provide a more powerful scientific basis for its traditional use. The overwhelming majority of evidence to date is preclinical (in vitro cell culture and animal studies). No published randomized controlled trials in human subjects have been identified for A. anomala as a standalone intervention.
Evidence grade: Preclinical only (in vitro and animal models)
Artemisia anomala S. Moore has been widely used in China to treat inflammatory diseases; however, the mechanism of its action on the keratinocyte inflammatory response was initially poorly understood.
The most thoroughly characterized area is anti-inflammatory activity:
All anti-inflammatory studies to date have been conducted in cell culture or animal models. No clinical trials in humans have been published for this indication.
Evidence grade: Preclinical only
In traditional medicine, A. anomala has been widely used in the treatment of hepatitis. Modern studies have confirmed that active components of A. anomala have significant hepatoprotective activity. In TCM, it has been used to treat acute icteric hepatitis for centuries. The mechanism in the preclinical context is linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on hepatic tissue. No controlled human clinical trials have been identified for hepatoprotection specifically attributed to A. anomala.
Evidence grade: Preclinical; traditional use well-documented
Modern studies have confirmed that active components have significant anti-platelet aggregation activity. The traditional claim of "breaking blood stasis" aligns with this preclinical finding. Traditional applications specifically include traumatic bleeding and fall injury. No human clinical evidence for anti-platelet or hemostatic efficacy has been identified in the published literature for this specific species.
Evidence grade: Preclinical only
Modern studies have confirmed anti-bacterial activity among the confirmed pharmacological activities of A. anomala active components. Guaianolides isolated from the aerial parts have been associated with antimicrobial activities. Historically in TCM, the herb was used to treat tonsillitis and chronic bronchitis, conditions with a microbial component. No clinical antimicrobial trials for A. anomala have been identified.
Evidence grade: Traditional use; no clinical trials identified
Artemisia anomala S. Moore is widely used in clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, traumatic bleeding, hepatitis, soft tissue contusion, burn, and scald. This represents application in traditional clinical practice within the TCM system. The mechanistic basis is plausibly related to anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated in preclinical models; however, no randomized controlled trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or related musculoskeletal conditions have been identified for this species.
Evidence grade: Traditional use; no clinical trials identified
In traditional and local medicine, A. anomala is widely used in the treatment of dysmenorrhea; it is considered a traditional herb with both medicinal and edible properties. It is commonly used to address amenorrhea with abdominal pain and postpartum abdominal pain. No clinical studies specifically evaluating A. anomala for dysmenorrhea or related conditions in controlled human populations have been identified.
Evidence grade: Preclinical animal and cell models
The anti-inflammatory reaction of the A. anomala ethanol extract was investigated using human keratinocyte cells, examining NF-κB, STAT-1, and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice, with anti-inflammatory effects elucidated against TNF-α/IFN-γ–treated human keratinocyte cells and DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like mice. Burn and scald are also listed among the modern clinical applications. Evidence remains at the preclinical stage for skin conditions.
Evidence grade: Traditional use; limited preclinical data
The herb has been used historically to treat enteritis and chronic bronchitis. It is traditionally considered to address abdominal pain and eliminate food stagnation causing indigestion. No controlled clinical trials for gastrointestinal indications have been identified.
Evidence grade: Preclinical only
Antioxidation is among the confirmed significant pharmacological activities of active components of A. anomala. The ethyl acetate extract increased total cellular antioxidant capacity in stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The antioxidant activity is consistent with the high flavonoid content, particularly quercetin, apigenin, and eupatorin. No human clinical trials addressing antioxidant endpoints have been identified.
Based on the totality of traditional use records and preclinical scientific investigation, A. anomala is associated with the following body systems and health areas:
Formal standardized dosage recommendations established through clinical trials do not exist for A. anomala as an isolated intervention. The following dosages are those reported in research or traditional practice contexts only:
One classical prescription describes using the herb in combination with corydalis tuber and rhizoma drynariae (1 liang each), cut into pieces and decocted in 3 L of water for multiple extractions, mixed, warmed, and drunk. The unit "liang" is a traditional Chinese weight measure. These preparations are not standardized to modern pharmaceutical specifications.
In some areas of southern China, the herb is brewed as a decoction or steeped in hot water as a tea for health drink purposes.
Note: No pharmacokinetic studies specifically establishing oral bioavailability, safe dose ranges, or clinically effective doses for A. anomala in humans have been identified in the peer-reviewed literature reviewed here. More mechanism-based pharmacological evaluation and clinical research should be carried out to provide a more powerful scientific basis for traditional use.
Liu Ji Nu (A. anomala) is contraindicated during pregnancy. This traditional contraindication is consistent with TCM practice, where blood-activating and stasis-dispersing herbs are routinely avoided during pregnancy due to theoretical uterine-stimulating effects.
The confirmed anti-platelet aggregation activity means that the herb could theoretically interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) and may increase bleeding risk in susceptible individuals or in peri-operative contexts. This has not been formally studied in human pharmacological interaction trials.
Evidence for A. anomala is insufficient in terms of clinical research, and the index components and determination standards for quality control should be established as soon as possible. This indicates that a formal toxicological profile, including LD50, no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAEL), or systematic safety assessment in humans, has not been published in the peer-reviewed sources reviewed here.
A systematic and effective quality control system for A. anomala has not yet been established. This means that the potency, identity, and purity of commercial preparations may vary substantially, and standardization of active constituents has not been achieved.
Long-term traditional medicinal history and a large number of modern in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that A. anomala has a wide range of biological activities; however, these provide rich resources for the discovery of promising drug candidates rather than established therapeutic profiles. Artemisia plants broadly have many traditional and pharmacological applications; however, scientific data are limited to clinical and toxicological research.
The active components isolated from A. anomala have great bioavailability and therapeutic potential, which can provide rich medicinal resources for the discovery of promising drug candidates and the development of new disease treatments. However, the body of evidence to date is characterized by the following:
The long-term traditional medicinal history and large number of modern in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that A. anomala has a wide range of biological activities, which can provide rich resources for the discovery of promising drug candidates and the development of new plant supplements. Nonetheless, the transition from promising preclinical candidate to evidence-based supplement or medicine has not been completed, and all therapeutic claims for A. anomala should be understood in the context of their evidence base — largely traditional use and preclinical pharmacology.
Health conditions that Artemisia anomala may help support.
Body systems that Artemisia anomala may help support.
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