Qing Hao Shu (Artemisia apiacea): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Qing Hao Shu work to treat fever and malaria?

Qing Hao Shu contains artemisinin analogues and artapsin, which have demonstrated antipyretic and antimalarial properties in laboratory studies. These compounds appear to work by generating reactive oxygen species that damage pathogen cell membranes. The herb also contains flavonoids and terpenoids that contribute to its cooling and heat-clearing effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies it as clearing heat and resolving summer heat patterns. Evidence level: C.

Does Qing Hao Shu interact with any medications?

Limited clinical data exists on Qing Hao Shu drug interactions. Due to its artemisinin content, there is theoretical potential for interactions with antimalarial medications, which could affect treatment outcomes. The herb may also interact with medications metabolized by liver enzymes. Patients taking prescription medications, particularly antimalarials or drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, should consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining with Qing Hao Shu. Evidence level: C.

What is the correct dosage of Qing Hao Shu for adults?

The standard adult dosage of Qing Hao Shu is 6-12 grams of dried herb daily, typically prepared as a decoction. This traditional dosage range is based on Chinese Materia Medica guidelines. The herb should be prepared by boiling in water, and the specific dose within this range depends on the individual's condition, constitution, and the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Qing Hao Shu safe to take during pregnancy?

Qing Hao Shu is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers this herb unsafe for pregnant women due to its heat-clearing and potentially blood-moving properties. The artemisinin compounds present in Artemisia species have been associated with embryotoxicity in animal studies. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not use this herb. Evidence level: C.

What conditions does Qing Hao Shu treat in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Qing Hao Shu is traditionally used to treat summer heat patterns, fever, and malaria-like symptoms in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is specifically indicated for bone-steaming fever, a sensation of heat originating deep within the body, fever that worsens in the evening, and heat-related conditions. The herb is closely related to Qing Hao (Artemisia annua) and shares similar heat-clearing applications. Evidence level: Traditional.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 18 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Artemisia apiacea is a traditional medicinal plant native to Eastern Asia used for treating conditions such as malaria, eczema, and jaundice [PMID: 29932162, 24250718, 38612399].

Background

Artemisia apiacea Hance is a traditional herbal medicine native to China, Japan, and Korea [PMID: 29932162, 38612399].

Traditional uses

Traditional uses include the treatment of malaria and malaria-like diseases [PMID: 29504922, 24250718], eczema [PMID: 29932162, 25829768], jaundice [PMID: 29932162, 24250718], and dyspeptic complaints [PMID: 24250718].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include artemisinin [PMID: 27446332, 33145645], vitexicarpin [PMID: 38612399], phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, daucosterol) [PMID: 25829768, 12135098], coumarins (arteminin, artemicapin C, 5,6,7-trimethoxycoumarin, 6-methoxy-7,8-methylenedioxycoumarin) [PMID: 12048024, 12135098, 18348053], flavonoids (apigenin, cacticin) [PMID: 12135098], and terpenoids (alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin) [PMID: 18348053, 14661854].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB activation and reducing the expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 [PMID: 24250718]. In atopic dermatitis models, it suppresses the production of RANTES, IL-6, IL-8, and TARC by inhibiting p38, ERK, and STAT-1 activation [PMID: 29932162]. Vitexicarpin induces apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells via the AKT-PRAS40 pathway [PMID: 38612399]. Polysaccharides from the plant induce cell apoptosis and immunomodulation [PMID: 24653548].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DAtopic Dermatitis

Ethanolic extracts improved atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in vivo [PMID: 29932162]

Evidence DAllergic Reaction

Extracts from dried flowering tips showed anti-allergic effects in rats by reducing systemic anaphylactic shock and histamine release [PMID: 27446332]

Evidence DHepatoma

Polysaccharides inhibited hepatoma growth in tumour-bearing mice [PMID: 24653548]

Evidence DOsteosarcoma

Vitexicarpin induced dose- and time-dependent cell death in human osteosarcoma MG63 cells via apoptosis [PMID: 38612399]

Evidence DAntimicrobial

Extracts were effective in vitro against A. niger, C. albicans, B. subtilis, and S. aureus [PMID: 29504922]

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor potential, though clinical human trials are lacking in the provided data.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 27446332 (2016) — Anti-allergic effect of Artemisia extract in rats. · Experimental and therapeutic medicine
2.PMID: 29932162 (2018) — Ethanolic Extracts of Artemisia apiacea Hance Improved Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions In Vivo and Suppressed TNF-Alpha/IFN-Gamma⁻Induced Proinflammatory Chemokine Production In Vitro. · Nutrients
3.PMID: 29504922 (2018) — Evaluation of in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Artemisia  apiacea H. and Scutellaria baicalensis G. extracts. · Journal of medical microbiology
4.PMID: 38612399 (2024) — Vitexicarpin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Metastatic Properties via the AKT-PRAS40 Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma. · International journal of molecular sciences
5.PMID: 33041391 (2020) — Coronaviruses and Nature's Pharmacy for the Relief of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Qing Hao Shu

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Qing Hao Shu