Douglas' sagewort

The main documented active constituent; in animal models it is gastric cytoprotective and antiulcer (stimulating gastric mucus/glycoprotein synthesis and inhibiting mast-cell mediator release), antidiarrhoeal, and antiproliferative toward tumour cells in vitro.

A related lactone identified alongside dehydroleucodine and implicated, with DhL, in the cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extracts against normal and cancerous human cells.

An aromatic sesquiterpene reported from California mugwort with antifungal and insecticidal activity in the genus.

A neuroactive monoterpene (GABA-A antagonist) that is toxic in excess; its presence underlies cautions about internal use of Artemisia essential oils and during pregnancy.

A camphoraceous oxide contributing to the aroma and to mild antimicrobial and expectorant properties of the volatile oil.

Volatile monoterpenes giving the pungent, camphoraceous scent used traditionally in aromatic and topical applications.

Dried leaves were traditionally prepared as a mild infusion for digestive complaints and menstrual regulation. Because the plant is a uterine stimulant/emmenagogue and contains thujone, internal use is contraindicated in pregnancy and should be brief and low-dose.

Crushed fresh leaves were applied by Indigenous Californian peoples as a poultice or wash for rheumatic pain and for skin irritation, including relief of poison-oak dermatitis.

Dried leaves (the 'dream sage') were burned or placed near the sleeper in California Indigenous practice. Note: members of the Asteraceae can cause allergic reactions, and the thujone-containing essential oil should not be taken internally.

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Artemisia douglasiana protected the rat gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced injury, reducing lipid peroxidation and preserving antioxidant defences, supporting the traditional cytoprotective/antiulcer use of the plant.

Ethanolic extracts were cytotoxic to normal human peripheral blood cells and to both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer lines (IC50 ~23.6-37 ug/ml), with dehydroleucodine and dehydroparishin-B proposed as the likely cytotoxic agents; the authors urge caution about consuming the extract.

Known as California mugwort or 'dream sage', Artemisia douglasiana was widely used by California Native peoples for menstrual regulation, to relieve rheumatism and poison-oak rash, and ceremonially to promote and interpret dreams.