Comparative analysis of the nutritional, physicochemical, and bioactive characteristics of Artemisia abyssinica and Artemisia arborescens for the evaluation of their potential as ingredients in functional foods

• Published in: Food science & nutrition Vol. 12; no. 10; pp. 8255 - 8279
• Main Authors: Al‐Maqtari, Qais Ali, Othman, Norzila, Mohammed, Jalaleldeen Khaleel, Mahdi, Amer Ali, Al‐Ansi, Waleed, Noman, Abeer Essam, Al‐Gheethi, Adel Ali Saeed, Asharuddin, Syazwani Mohd
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.10.2024; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Amino acids; Antioxidants; Antiparasitic agents; Artemisia abyssinica; Artemisia arborescens; Ascorbic acid; Bioactive compounds; Biological activity; Butyric acid; Carbohydrates; Caryophyllene; Chemical composition; Chemicals; Comparative analysis; Diet; Dietary intake; Dietary supplements; Fatty acids; Foaming; Food composition; Food intake; Food plants; Functional foods & nutraceuticals; functional properties; Herbal medicine; Malaria; Malic acid; Moisture content; Nutrients; Nutrition assessment; nutritional value; Nutritive value; Organic acids; Original; Palmitic acid; Phenols; Phytochemicals; Proteins; Succinic acid; Thiamine; Volatile compounds; China; functional properties; nutritional value; bioactive compounds; Artemisia abyssinica; Artemisia arborescens
• ISSN: 2048-7177; 2048-7177
• DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4431

Artemisia abyssinica and Artemisia arborescens are unique plants that show significant bioactive properties and are used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This study assessed the nutritional values, functional properties, chemical composition, and bioactive attributes of these plants as functional nutritional supplements. Compared to A. arborescens, A. abyssinica had higher fat (4.76%), fiber (16.07%), total carbohydrates (55.87%), and energy (302.15 kcal/100 g DW), along with superior functional properties, including higher water and oil absorption capacities (638.81% and 425.85%, respectively) and foaming capacity and stability (25.67% and 58.48%). The investigation of volatile compounds found that A. abyssinica had higher amounts of hotrienol (4.53%), yomogi alcohol (3.92%), caryophyllene (3.67%), and carvotanacetone (3.64%), which possess anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Artemisia abyssinica contributed over 30% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of amino acids. It displayed superior levels of sodium (31.46 mg/100 g DW) and calcium (238.07 mg/100 g DW). It also exhibited higher levels of organic acids, particularly malic acid, butyric acid, and succinic acid, compared to A. arborescens. Fatty acid analysis revealed palmitic and linoleic acids as primary components in both plants, with A. abyssinica having a higher palmitic acid content. Artemisia abyssinica also had higher vitamin C and thiamine levels. Although A. arborescens showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and capacity, A. abyssinica demonstrated acceptable efficiency in TPC and antioxidant content. These findings highlight the potential of both Artemisia species, particularly A. abyssinica, as valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds for various applications. The study found that Artemisia abyssinica has superior nutritional and functional qualities than Artemisia arborescens, including more fat, fiber, carbohydrate content, and energy. Artemisia abyssinica also has high water and oil absorption capacity, amino acid content, and amounts of sodium, calcium, organic acids, and vitamins. Despite A. arborescens' higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, A. abyssinica's significant bioactive components and nutritional profile indicate its potential as a functional nutritional supplement.