Sweet Wormwood for COVID-19: Effective Or Needs More Research?

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous natural remedies have been promoted as potential treatments. Among them, Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) has gained significant attention. But does it truly work against COVID-19, or is it just an unproven hope lacking scientific backing?

Sweet Wormwood is widely known as the source of artemisinin, one of the most critical antimalarial drugs in the world. Thanks to artemisinin, malaria-related deaths have dropped from over 1 million to approximately 400,000 per year. However, when promoted as a treatment for COVID-19, this herbal remedy has sparked intense debate among scientists [1].

In 2020, the Madagascar Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) developed a herbal drink called Covid-Organics, made from Sweet Wormwood, Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, claimed that the product had helped two COVID-19 patients recover from the disease. However, IMRA has not published any scientific data on its efficacy or potential side effects [1].

Despite warnings from the medical community, several African countries ordered Covid-Organics, raising concerns about the risk of malaria drug resistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously cautioned that using artemisinin as a monotherapy could accelerate the development of drug-resistant malaria parasites [1].

A 2005 study from China suggested that extracts from Sweet Wormwood could neutralize the SARS virus in laboratory conditions. However, this research was never tested on animals or humans. Currently, the Max Planck Institute (Germany) is collaborating with ArtemiLife (USA) to evaluate the herb’s potential effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, but results have yet to be published [1].

The widespread adoption of Covid-Organics in Africa also reflects skepticism toward Western medicine. However, experts argue that science should not have double standards—if strict requirements apply to Western vaccines and pharmaceuticals, the same rigorous standards should be applied to traditional and alternative treatments [1].

So, is Sweet Wormwood a true breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19, or just an unproven remedy? The answer will only become clear through further rigorous scientific research.

Understanding COVID-19: A Complex and Multifaceted Disease

COVID-19 is not merely a respiratory infection; it is a biological battle between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the body's immune system. To fully grasp the dangers of this disease, let's visualize how the virus invades, wreaks havoc, and leaves lasting consequences in the human body [2].

SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. Once inhaled, the virus targets cells that contain ACE2 receptors—the gateway it uses to penetrate host cells.

Imagine the virus as a highly skilled thief, using the ACE2 key to unlock and break into lung cells. Once inside, it hijacks the cell’s machinery, turning it into a virus production factory, rapidly multiplying and spreading.

The body quickly detects the invader and activates the immune system. However, in some patients, instead of a controlled response, the immune system overreacts—triggering what is known as a “cytokine storm.”

This is like an army trained to eliminate an enemy but instead bombarding everything in its path, damaging both infected and healthy tissues. This widespread inflammation can severely damage the lungs and even lead to multi-organ failure.

As inflammation intensifies, lung tissue swells, and alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. If this process becomes unmanageable, patients may require oxygen support or mechanical ventilation.

But the lungs are not the only organs at risk—COVID-19 can also affect the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and even the brain, leading to a range of dangerous complications.

Even after surviving the acute phase, many patients continue to struggle with "long COVID", a condition where symptoms persist for months or even years.

These symptoms include chronic fatigue, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, brain fog, and cardiovascular issues. It is as if the war has ended, but the scars remain, affecting the body long after the virus is gone.

COVID-19 is a complex disease that impacts multiple body systems. As a result, no single treatment can fully address all its effects. From antiviral drugs to inflammation control and immune system support, every approach must be based on scientific evidence and rigorous testing. Placing blind faith in unproven "miracle cures" could lead to serious consequences.

Sweet Wormwood: Known Mechanisms of Action

Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) has been extensively studied for its pharmacological properties, particularly its active compound, artemisinin. Below are its three primary mechanisms of action and their potential connection to COVID-19 [3]:

• Antimalarial Activity: Artemisinin attacks malarial parasite proteins, but it remains unclear whether it has a similar effect on SARS-CoV-2.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that A. annua regulates cytokine production, potentially reducing inflammation—a critical factor in severe COVID-19 cases.
• Antiviral Properties: Extracts from A. annua have demonstrated virus-inhibiting effects in vitro, though their precise mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 is still under investigation.

Read more: Sweet Wormwood for Parasite Cleanse: Benefits & Uses

The Evidence for Sweet Wormwood and COVID-19

Key Findings from U.S. Research Institutions

A study conducted by scientists from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Columbia University, and the University of Washington found that Sweet Wormwood leaf extracts could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, including two of its variants [4].

Key results from this study:

• A. annua extracts were more effective at inhibiting viral replication than pure artemisinin.
• The antiviral effect was not linked to artemisinin or flavonoids, suggesting the presence of other unidentified compounds responsible for this activity.
• Dried Sweet Wormwood leaves stored for 12 years still retained their antiviral properties.

The study suggests that A. annua could provide a safe, low-cost treatment for COVID-19, but further research is needed to identify the exact compounds responsible for this effect [4].

Findings from European Research Institutions

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute (Germany) and Freie Universität Berlin confirmed that Artemisia annua extracts exhibited activity against SARS-CoV-2. As a result, the University of Kentucky has initiated clinical trials to explore its potential as a COVID-19 treatment [5].

Key aspects of this research:

• Extracts from Artemisia annua and artesunate (a derivative used to treat malaria) are currently under clinical evaluation at the University of Kentucky.
• The "pick-the-winner" trial design helps quickly identify effective treatments for further investigation.
• Advantages of Artemisia annua: Safe, easily accessible, rapidly produced, low-cost
• The trial targets high-risk COVID-19 patients who do not yet require intensive care.

Potential: While Artemisia annua shows promise as a COVID-19 treatment, more research is required to confirm its mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy [5].

Further U.S. Studies on Artemisia annua’s Antiviral Effects

Another U.S. study demonstrated that A. annua leaf extracts inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro [6].

Key takeaways:

• Hot-water extracts from multiple A. annua varieties across four continents showed antiviral activity.
• The antiviral effect was not linked to artemisinin or flavonoids, indicating that other compounds or a combination of multiple components may be responsible.
• The extract was effective after the virus had entered the cell, limiting viral replication rather than blocking initial infection.
• Dried leaves from 2008 retained their antiviral activity, highlighting the stability of the bioactive compounds.
• Early findings suggest that consuming Artemisia annua could be a low-cost, accessible treatment for COVID-19.

Sweet Wormwood For COVID-19: Potential Risks And Side Effects

WHO’s Concerns

• There is no conclusive evidence that Artemisia annua can cure or help reduce the risk of COVID-19 [7].
• Using this herbal remedy may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and liver damage [7].
• Most importantly, A. annua use may contribute to drug resistance in malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum, which could reduce the effectiveness of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)—the most crucial malaria treatment today [7].
• Neglecting preventive measures: People may become overconfident and neglect recognized safety measures like mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing if they believe this herb offers protection [8].
• Negative impact on malaria treatment: Widespread consumption of A. annua could lead to subtherapeutic levels of artemisinin in the bloodstream, failing to kill malaria parasites completely and accelerating drug resistance—a growing problem in Southeast Asia and Africa [8].

The Fine Line Between Potential and Risk in Research

• Companies like Mateon Therapeutics and research institutions in Germany and Denmark are investigating artemisinin’s potential against SARS-CoV-2 [7].
• Some companies sell Artemisia annua-infused teas and coffees, marketing them as immune-boosting products. However, the WHO has warned that such widespread herbal use could accelerate malaria drug resistance [7].

A Multifaceted Approach to COVID-19: Sweet Wormwood in Context

While Sweet Wormwood has demonstrated antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies, it is not a remedy for COVID-19. The best way to reduce the risk of and manage COVID-19 remains a multi-layered approach:

• Vaccination: The most reliable way to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
• Recognized treatments: Antiviral drugs like Paxlovid and Remdesivir have undergone rigorous clinical testing.
• Supportive care: Rest, hydration, and symptom management remain essential.
• Lifestyle factors: Healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management contribute to overall immune health.

While some studies suggest Sweet Wormwood extracts may have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, more clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended as a supplementary treatment.

Natural remedies can be intriguing, but scientific validation is key. Sweet Wormwood might have a role in COVID-19 management, but it cannot replace vaccines recognized treatments. Until further research confirms its efficacy, the best strategy remains a combination of evidence-based medical approaches.

(And no, drinking "miracle cures" you see on social media isn’t a great idea!)

Conclusion

Sweet Wormwood may hold future potential, but until solid scientific evidence emerges, it should be seen as a complementary option, not a substitute for mainstream prevention and treatment. It might offer benefits, but caution is necessary. Stay informed, follow trusted sources, and always consult a doctor before using any alternative treatments!