Pharmacognostic Studies and Artemisinin Content of Artemisia Annua L. Grown in Togo

Objective: Artemisia annua grown in Togo is used as an antimalaria drug. The present study shows a detailed analysis of pharmacognostic evaluation of leaf powder and root that will be used for the purpose of identification, authentication, and consequent standardization. Materials and Methods: Both the leaf and root were evaluated for their macroscopic and microscopic features. The physicochemical parameters of the leaf powder and its phytochemical screening were done based on its total phenols and flavonoïd content. Artemisinin content was also performed using weigh method after extraction. Results: Physicochemical evaluation yielded water, alcohol, acetone, methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether soluble extractive values which are 2.25%, 1.25%, 4.22%, 8.12% and 3.77% (w/w), respectively. Fluorescence analysis imparted characteristic colors to the leaf powder when observed under visible, UV light 254 and 365 nm. Phytochemical screening of leaf powder showed the presence of alkaloïds, flavonoïd, and anthracene derivatives. Total phenols and flavonoïd content were 32.5 ± 0.67 mEq Gallic Acid/100 mg and 11.3 ± 1.52. mgEq Quercetin/100 mg, respectively. Artemisinin content value was 0.009% (w/w). Conclusion: Various pharmacognostic parameters which were evaluated assisted in identification and standardization of A. annua leaf in powder and crude form.