Comparative Phytochemical, Colloidal, and Antioxidant Profiling of Artemisia albida, Artemisia leucodes, and Artemisia scopaeformis: Potentials for Cosmeceutical and Nutraceutical Applications

Abstract

Artemisia albida, Artemisia leucodes, and Artemisia scopaeformis were selected for this study based on their traditional medicinal uses and phytochemical profiles. A. albida exhibited the highest level of extractive substances (20.76%) and showed the greatest concentration of water-soluble polysaccharides (2.14%). Tannins, well known for their astringency and antioxidant activity, were most abundant in A. scopaeformis (2.81%) and A. albida (1.52%). The phenolics coumarins were concentrated in A. scopaeformis (6.49%) and A. leucodes (4.46%). Among the extracts, A. leucodes exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 13.53 mu M, FRAP = 52.02 mu mol TE/g), the highest SPF (23.24), and the most effective DNA protection (91.4%). It indicated a high level of biological effectiveness, with an SPF comparable to natural UV-protection agents and DNA protection exceeding 90%, suggesting potential. Molecular docking confirmed binding of catechin and epicatechin to glutathione peroxidase. Colloidal analysis revealed that hydrolates obtained from A. albida and A. leucodes have significant surface activity, reducing water surface tension to 40-50 mJ/m2, whereas the hydrolate from A. scopaeformis had only a minor effect. Thus, A. leucodes is a strong candidate for multifunctional antioxidant, UV-protective, and skin-regenerating applications.