Comprehensive review of botanical characteristics, artificial cultivation methods, quality evaluation, genome research, and potential applications of Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van.

Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant. is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that is widely distributed across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, especially in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia. The widespread application of A. argyi in medicine, foods, and folk customs gives it great economic value and strong cultural relevance in China. It has been used in treating diseases for over 2000 years, with modern pharmacological research validating diverse functions (including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and analgesic activities) of metabolites produced by A. argyi. Surges in clinical demand have led to the formation of a domesticated A. argyi industry, which has produced a relatively mature artificial planting technology system and comprehensive quality evaluation standards in China. In recent years, the assembly and release of A. argyi chloroplast and chromosome-scale nuclear genomes have enabled identification of key genes in the biosynthetic pathways of various important active compounds. In addition, non-medicinal applications of A. argyi have received widespread attention due to the plant's promising herbicidal, antibacterial, and preservative effects, which could allow its use in place of chemical products. We here review recent progress in A. argyi research with a focus on botanical characteristics, artificial cultivation methods, quality evaluation, genomic and molecular research, pharmacological effects, and non-medicinal value development. This review lays a strong foundation for future research to develop and increase the value of A. argyi and other traditionally medicinal plants.