The discovery of Artemisia annua L. in the Shengjindian cemetery, Xinjiang, China and its implications for early uses of traditional Chinese herbal medicine qinghao

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Artemisia annua L., with the ancient name of qinghao, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It has appeared in many ancient Chinese medical manuscripts, which describe its uses to include treatment of wounds, alleviating intermittent fevers, as well as enhancing the brightness of eyes and even improving longevity.

Materials and methods: A sheaf of plant remains, including stalks and inflorescence intentionally placed in the corner of a tomb, have been recovered from the Shengjindian cemetery (about 2400-2000 BP on the basis of (14)C dating), Turpan, Xinjiang, China. The morphology of these materials was examined using a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. Ancient DNA was also extracted from these remains.

Results: By comparing the morphological and DNA characteristics with modern specimens, these plant remains were identified to belong to Artemisia annua L. Owing to its strong fragrance, these plant remains are suggested as serving to disguise the odor of the deceased.

Conclusions: This is the first material archaeological evidence to date despite numerous records of A. annua in ancient Chinese texts as herbal medicine qinghao, though it seems to have been employed as odor suppressant, not for medical purpose.