Effect of Artemisia campestris on the health of living beings

Artemisia campestris L. is a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its therapeutic potential in endocrine disorders, particularly polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, remains underexplored. This study investigates the biological activities of its aqueous extract and essential oil, evaluating their efficacy in managing these conditions. Fifteen mature Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, PCOS-induced, and a PCOS group treated with 200 mg/kg A. campestris L. extract for 15 days. Treatment significantly reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and improved ovarian histomorphometry. In a hypothyroidism model induced by Carbimazole, both the aqueous extract and essential oil (administered at 200 mg/kg BW) enhanced thyroid function, as indicated by increased FT4 and decreased TSH levels. The aqueous extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 4.34 æg/mL (DPPHʻ), 6.19 æg/mL (FRAP), and 3.27 æg/mL (?-carotene). It also demonstrated notable ?-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 2.418 æg/mL). Histopathological analysis confirmed the protective effects on thyroid tissue morphology. Chemical characterization using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified key bioactive compounds. The aqueous extract contained ?-sitosterol (14.3 æg/mL), Arteannuin B (12.6 æg/mL), Scopoletin (8.22 æg/mL), Artemisinin (6.13 æg/g), and Rutin (5.8 æg/mL). GC-MS analysis of the essential oil revealed major constituents, including linalyl acetate (2.92%), geranyl acetate (2.45%), cyclononasiloxane (2.37%), cyclohexanol (1.76%), and eucalyptol (1.38%). The essential oil exhibited potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 11.09 æg/mL for DPPHʻ, 15.81 æg/mL for FRAP, and 22.70 æg/mL for ?-carotene) and inhibited peroxidase activity by 62% and 50%. In silico molecular docking studies supported these findings, revealing strong interactions between the identified compounds and thyroperoxidase, a key enzyme for thyroid function. Additionally, 3-cyclopentyl-N-(2-(3.4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl) was identified as a potential candidate for pancreatic cancer therapy due to its high binding affinity to cancer receptors. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of A. campestris L. in managing PCOS and hypothyroidism, with its aqueous extract and essential oil demonstrating significant endocrine-modulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The molecular docking results further suggest possible applications in cancer therapy, warranting further investigation into its pharmacological benefits Artemisia campestris