•  
  •  
 

Abstract

This study evaluated the presence, profile and concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the fermented leaf extract of Artemisia annua, a medicinal plant widely used for its antimalarial and skin-benefiting properties. Given the plant’s increased use in Nigerian traditional medicine, this research examines how fermentation a process known to enhance bioactive compound availability may influence PAH levels, which are of concern due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects. The A. annua leaves were fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures and subsequently analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect and quantify PAHs. The analysis identified 24 distinct PAH compounds, each with unique structural characteristics, and retention times ranging from 4.186 to 14.628 minutes, including compounds such as Cyclohexane, Naphthalene, Biphenyl, and Fluorene. Peaks demonstrated varied stability and volatility, with notable compounds like Cyclohexane, 1,2,4-trimethyl, showing high volatility, while complex polycyclic structures like Anthracene and Phenanthrene indicated greater environmental persistence and stability. The findings indicate that fermentation can influence PAH profiles in A. annua, with certain compounds showing heightened concentrations that may pose health risks if consumed in large amounts or over prolonged periods. The study concluded that while fermentation has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy, it may also introduce PAHs that warrant careful regulation to ensure safety in traditional medicine. This comprehensive chemical profile provides a foundation for understanding the plant's therapeutic potential and informs future research directions.

Article History

Received: Jul 31, 2025; Accepted: Oct 20, 2025; Published: Sep 30, 2026

Download


Request Accessible Version

Share

COinS