Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Mugwort vs Scots Pine
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Mugwort and Scots Pine: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), infection (general), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Mugwort | Scots Pine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Multiple undescribed and known sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids isolated from the leaves, several with anti-inflammatory activity.
Volatile oil containing thujone and other monoterpenes; thujone content is the basis of the caution on prolonged internal use.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid and coumarin constituents.
The needle oil is dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, chiefly alpha-pinene, giving the characteristic resinous scent and much of its antimicrobial activity.
The resinous sap/pitch, traditionally used topically for wounds and skin complaints.
The needle is traditionally valued as a source of vitamin C, particularly in winter.
Pharmacological Actions
Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) extracts inhibit BCR/ABL and induce apoptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis in chronic myeloid leukaemia and breast cancer cells (preclinical).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) extracts inhibit BCR/ABL and induce apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukaemia cells (including imatinib-resistant), and trigger tumour-selective ferroptosis/necroptosis in breast cancer and leukaemia cells via lysosomal Ca2+ signalling (preclinical).
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Contains thujone; avoid high doses or prolonged use. Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterine stimulant and abortifacient). May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family. Avoid in epilepsy. Not recommended for children.
Duke (2002) rates mugwort as + (use with caution) and notes abortifacient (score 1), emmenagogue, aperitif (score 1), and insecticide activities. Duke clearly flags mugwort as contraindicated in pregnancy due to well-documented abortifacient and uterotonic properties. Traditional use has been as a digestive bitter, and the plant contains volatile oils, sesquiterpene lactones, and flavonoids. Duke notes that the plant may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae and warns against long-term use due to potential neurotoxicity from thujone-containing essential oil (Duke, 2002).
Generally safe in normal amounts. Pine essential oil should not be ingested; topical use only in diluted form. May irritate airways in high concentrations. Allergic reactions to pine pollen and resin are common. Turpentine products are irritant and potentially toxic if ingested.
Duke (2002) rates Scotch pine as + and notes antiseptic, antibacterial (score 1), and bronchospasmolytic activities. Commission E (KOM) and PhEur (PIP) approve pine needle preparations for topical use in rheumatic and neuralgic conditions and for inhalations in upper respiratory catarrh. Duke cautions that pine needle oil should not be inhaled by patients with severe asthma, whooping cough, or laryngospasm. Pine bud preparations are traditionally used for bronchitis and sinus congestion. Dose: 100–200 mg essential oil in ointment or cream for topical use (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Tall, aromatic perennial herb with deeply lobed, dark green leaves that are distinctively silvery-white and woolly beneath. Small, dull reddish-brown to yellowish flower heads are borne in dense, branched, leafy spikes. The reddish-brown, ridged stems and the leaf's contrasting silver underside are characteristic field marks.[3]
Evergreen coniferous tree (Pinaceae), 15-35 m tall, with a long, straight trunk at maturity, distinctive orange-red flaking bark in the upper crown and grey-brown fissured bark at the base. Needles are blue-green, borne in pairs (fascicles of two) with a papery basal sheath. Small yellow male cones release pollen in spring; female cones are woody and mature over two years.[11]
Habitat
A common plant of waste ground, roadsides, hedgerows and riverbanks; native to Europe, Asia and North Africa and widely naturalised in North America.[3]
Native across northern and central Europe and Siberia - the most widely distributed pine species in the world - forming extensive boreal and montane forests on poor, sandy or peaty, acidic soils; a pioneer species tolerant of dry, nutrient-poor ground.[11]
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts (leaf and stem) are cut in summer as flowering begins and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place; the root can be dug in autumn.[3]
Young shoots ('candles') and needles are gathered in spring; bark is stripped from felled or cultivated trees; resin/sap is tapped from the trunk. Needle-bearing twigs can be cut for tea and for steam distillation of the essential oil year-round.[11]
Traditional Uses
Mugwort is a widely used traditional bitter digestive tonic and calming nervine, and has a long reputation as an emmenagogue for menstrual complaints (reflected in its traditional use to bring on delayed menstruation, which is also why it is contraindicated in pregnancy). It has also been burned as 'moxa' in East Asian moxibustion and used as an insect repellent ('sailor's tobacco').[3]
Scots pine has a long northern European tradition as a source of resinous, aromatic preparations for respiratory complaints (coughs, bronchitis, catarrh) and topical rheumatic/muscular remedies, and pine-needle tea has traditionally been valued as a vitamin-C-rich winter tonic. Modern research on the needle essential oil supports antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and expectorant activity.[11, 12]
Preparations
Fresh or dried young needles steeped in hot water - the traditional vitamin-C-rich tonic tea. Only use needles from a certainly identified pine, never yew (see dangerous look-alikes).
Steam-distilled from the needles; used diluted in ointments, chest rubs or steam inhalation for respiratory complaints.
Dosage
Health Canada's NNHPD monograph gives 0.2-2.4 g of dried herb top, 3 times per day, for adults 18 years and older, with infusion and decoction among the accepted methods of preparation. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
References & Sources
- Liu, T., Chen, X., Hu, Y., Li, M., Wu, Y. et al (2022) 'Sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory effects from Artemisia vulgaris L', Phytochemistry, 204, pp. 113428. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113428 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113428 - Trinh, P.T.N., Truc, N.C., Danh, T.T., Trang, N.T.T., Le Hang, D.T. et al (2024) 'A study on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of the Artemisia vulgaris L. extract and its fractions', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 334, pp. 118519. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118519 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118519 - Abiri, R., Silva, A.L.M., de Mesquita, L.S.S., de Mesquita, J.W.C., Atabaki, N. et al (2018) 'Towards a better understanding of Artemisia vulgaris: Botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological and biotechnological potential', Food Research International, 109, pp. 403-415. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2018.03.072 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2018.03.072 - Ekiert, H., Pajor, J., Klin, P., Rzepiela, A., Slesak, H. and Szopa, A (2020) 'Significance of Artemisia vulgaris L. (Common Mugwort) in the History of Medicine and Its Possible Contemporary Applications Substantiated by Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies', Molecules, 25(19), pp. 4415. doi:10.3390/molecules25194415 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25194415 - Soon, L., Ng, P.Q., Chellian, J., Madheswaran, T., Panneerselvam, J., Gupta, G., Nammi, S., Hansbro, N.G., Hsu, A., Dureja, H., Mehta, M., Satija, S., Hansbro, P.M., Collet, T. and Chellappan, D.K (2019) 'Therapeutic potential of Artemisia vulgaris: An insight into underlying immunological mechanisms', Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology, 38(3), pp. 205-216. doi:10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2019029397 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2019029397 - Xiao, J., Liu, P., Hu, Y., Liu, T., Guo, Y., Sun, P., Zheng, J., Ren, Z. and Wang, Y (2023) 'Antiviral activities of Artemisia vulgaris L. extract against herpes simplex virus', Chinese Medicine, 18(1), pp. 21. doi:10.1186/s13020-023-00711-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-023-00711-1 - Singh, N.B., Devi, M.L., Biona, T., Sharma, N., Das, S., Chakravorty, J., Mukherjee, P.K. and Rajashekar, Y (2023) 'Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil from the Leaves of Artemisia vulgaris L', Molecules, 28(5), pp. 2279. doi:10.3390/molecules28052279 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052279 - Judzentiene, A. and Budiene, J (2018) 'Chemical Polymorphism of Essential Oils of Artemisia vulgaris Growing Wild in Lithuania', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 15(2), pp. e1700257. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201700257 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201700257 - Hanh, T.T.H., Vinh, L.B., Cuong, N.X. and Quang, T.H (2022) 'Two new eudesmane sesquiterpene glucosides from the aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris', Natural Product Research, 37(9), pp. 1544-1549. doi:10.1080/14786419.2022.2025591 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2022.2025591 - Zamarioli, L.D.S., Santos, M.R.M., Erustes, A.G., Meccatti, V.M., Pereira, T.C., Smaili, S.S., Marcucci, M.C., Oliveira, C.R., Pereira, G.J.S. and Bincoletto, C (2023) 'Artemisia vulgaris Induces Tumor-Selective Ferroptosis and Necroptosis via Lysosomal Ca2+ Signaling', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 30(6), pp. 525-533. doi:10.1007/s11655-023-3712-2 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-023-3712-2 - Chi, H.T. and Ly, B.T.K (2022) 'Artemisia vulgaris inhibits BCR/ABL and promotes apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells', Biomedical Reports, 17(6), pp. 92. doi:10.3892/br.2022.1575 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2022.1575 - Tiwari, R.K., Ahmad, A., Khan, A.F., Al-Keridis, L.A., Saeed, M., Alshammari, N., Alabdallah, N.M., Ansari, I.A. and Mujeeb, F (2023) 'Ethanolic Extract of Artemisia vulgaris Leaf Promotes Apoptotic Cell Death in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma A549 Cells through Inhibition of the Wnt Signaling Pathway', Metabolites, 13(4), pp. 480. doi:10.3390/metabo13040480 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13040480 - Health Canada, Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (2026) 'Natural Health Product Monograph: Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris'. Available at: https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_mugwort_english.pdf Traditional / reference
https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_mugwort_english.pdf - Becker, H (1986) 'Botany of European Artemisia species', pp. 1--24. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Botany%20of%20European%20Artemisia%20species - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Kung, H.J. and Ko, W.C (2002) 'Pharmacological studies of Artemisia vulgaris', 13(2), pp. 99--108. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Pharmacological%20studies%20of%20Artemisia%20vulgaris - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Totally Wild UK 'Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) Identification'. Available at: https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2021/04/13/identify-mugwort/ Traditional / reference
https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2021/04/13/identify-mugwort/ - Stetzenbach, M. and Schnorbus, B. and Sagoschen, I. and Bleser, W. and Legner, D. and Sturer, A (2017) 'Acute Monkshood Intoxication Requiring Acute Resuscitation', Anasthesiologie Intensivmedizin Notfallmedizin Schmerztherapie, 52(9), pp. 641-644. doi:10.1055/s-0043-106283 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-106283
- Jurado, P., Uruen, C., Martinez, S., Lain, E. and others (2023) 'Essential oils of Pinus sylvestris, Citrus limon and Origanum vulgare exhibit high bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Streptococcus suis', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 168, pp. 115703. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115703 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115703 - Csikos, E., Cseko, K., Kemeny, A., Draskoczi, L. and others (2022) 'Pinus sylvestris L. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Essential Oils Inhibit Endotoxin-Induced Airway Hyperreactivity despite Aggravated Inflammatory Mechanisms in Mice', Molecules, 27(12), pp. 3868. doi:10.3390/molecules27123868 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123868 - Allenspach, M., Valder, C., Flamm, D., Grisoni, F. and others (2020) 'Verification of Chromatographic Profile of Primary Essential Oil of Pinus sylvestris L. Combined with Chemometric Analysis', Molecules, 25(13), pp. 2973. doi:10.3390/molecules25132973 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25132973 - Allenspach, M., Valder, C., Flamm, D. and Steuer, C (2021) 'Authenticity control of Pinus sylvestris essential oil by chiral gas chromatographic analysis of alpha-pinene', Scientific Reports, 11(1), pp. 16923. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-96356-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-96356-x - Rodrigues, A.M., Mendes, M.D., Lima, A.S., Barbosa, P.M. and others (2017) 'Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea and Pinus sylvestris Essential Oils Chemotypes and Monoterpene Hydrocarbon Enantiomers', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 14(1), pp. e1600153. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201600153 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201600153 - Judzentiene, A., Stikliene, A. and Kupcinskiene, E (2007) 'Changes in the essential oil composition in the needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) under anthropogenic stress', The Scientific World Journal, 7(Suppl 1), pp. 141-150. doi:10.1100/tsw.2007.36 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2007.36 - Hoai, N.T., Duc, H.V., Thao, D.T., Orav, A. and others (2015) 'Selectivity of Pinus sylvestris extract and essential oil to estrogen-insensitive breast cancer cells', Pharmacognosy Magazine, 11(Suppl 2), pp. S290-S295. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.166052 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.166052 - Fayemiwo, K.A., Adeleke, M.A., Okoro, O.P., Awojide, S.H. and others (2014) 'Larvicidal efficacies and chemical composition of essential oils of Pinus sylvestris and Syzygium aromaticum against mosquitoes', Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 4(1), pp. 30-34. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60204-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60204-5 - Scalas, D., Mandras, N., Roana, J., Tardugno, R. and others (2018) 'Use of Pinus sylvestris L. (Pinaceae), Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae), and Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) essential oils and their main components to enhance itraconazole activity against azole susceptible/not-susceptible Cryptococcus neoformans strains', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), pp. 143. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2219-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2219-4 - Suntar, I., Tumen, I., Ustun, O., Keles, H. and others (2012) 'Appraisal on the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils obtained from the cones and needles of Pinus species by in vivo and in vitro experimental models', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 139(2), pp. 533-540. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.045 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.045 - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Bakkali, F. et al (2008) 'Biological effects of essential oils — a review', 46(2), pp. 446--475. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106 - Sousa, A. et al (2010) 'Proanthocyanidins from Pinus pinaster bark', 71(1), pp. 64--72. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Proanthocyanidins%20from%20Pinus%20pinaster%20bark - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Missouri Poison Center 'Pine Needles'. Available at: https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/pine-needles/ Traditional / reference
https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/pine-needles/ - Arens, A.M. and Anaebere, T.C. and Horng, H. and Olson, K (2016) 'Fatal Taxus baccata ingestion with perimortem serum taxine B quantification', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 54(9), pp. 878-880. doi:10.1080/15563650.2016.1209765 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2016.1209765 - Froldi, R. and Croci, P.F. and Dell'Acqua, L. and Fare, F. and Tassoni, G. and Gambaro, V (2010) 'Preliminary gas chromatography with mass spectrometry determination of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol in biological specimens as evidence of taxus poisoning', Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 34(1), pp. 53-6. doi:10.1093/jat/34.1.53 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/34.1.53
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.