Physicochemical Characteristics of Artemisia annua, an Antimalarial Plant from the Grass- field Regions of Cameroon

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the physical and chemical properties of Artemisia annua, an anti-malarial plant grown in the Grass-field Regions of Cameroon. Samples have been collected from seven localities with same climatic conditions. The GC-MS analysis of the extracts from the samples showed the presence of artemisinin, scopoletin and 13 volatile compounds including α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene, 3-carene, α-terpinene, limonene, eucalyptol, artemisia ketone, copaene, camphor, caryophylene, menthol and α-terpineol. When compared with A. annua grow in other countries, the Grass-field Regions of Cameroon produce seen more concentrated in artemisinin (11.1 mg/kg) than those from temperate regions [Luxemburg (0.4 mg/kg), Germany (0.8 mg/kg) and Belgium (1.1 mg/kg)] and similar to those from tropical countries [Brazil (11.5 mg/kg) and Democratic Republic of Congo (10.3 mg/kg)]. This result also showed that A. annua from the Grass-field Regions of Cameroon is highly concentrated in scopoletin, artemisinin and several other volatile compounds. The local production of this plant in Cameroon will be a source of medicinal significance for malaria zones and developing countries to fight against this disease.