Sweet Annie: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) is a plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Sweet Annie contains a chemical called artemisinin, which seems to act against the parasites that cause malaria. Some drug manufacturers make anti-malarial drugs from artemisinin that they have modified in the lab.

People use Sweet Annie for hay fever, malaria, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Sweet Annie with Artemisia herba-alba, mugwort, wormseed, or wormwood. These are not the same. Also, the chemical made from Sweet Annie that is used in prescription drugs for malaria is not covered in this summary.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Hay fever. Applying Sweet Annie under the tongue seems to help prevent seasonal allergies caused by pollen from the Artemisia species.

There is interest in using Sweet Annie for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Sweet Annie is possibly safe when used short-term. Side effects might include upset stomach and vomiting. Liver damage has also been reported in a small number of people taking Sweet Annie tea or extracts.

When placed under the tongue: Sweet Annie is possibly safe when used for up to 32 weeks.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Sweet Annie is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Sweet Annie is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Sweet Annie may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.

Liver problems: Sweet Annie might cause liver problems, even in healthy people. Taking Sweet Annie might make liver problems worse. People with a history of liver problems should avoid taking Sweet Annie.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Sweet Annie
Sweet Annie might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking Sweet Annie along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with Sweet Annie
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Sweet Annie might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Sweet Annie
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Sweet Annie might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Sweet Annie might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Sweet Annie - Uses, Side Effects, and More