Effects of root,shoot,leaf and seed extracts of seven Artemisia species on HIV-1 replication and CD4 expression

Objective:To investigate the effects of flower,leaf,shoot and root extracts of seven Artemisia species on peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)toxicity and HIV-1 replication.Methods:The studied Artemisia species were Artemisia absinthium,Artemisia khorasanica,Artemisia deserti,Artemisia fragrans,Artemisia aucheri,Artemisia sieberi and Artemisia vulgaris.The activity of these plant extracts on HIV-1 replication and CD4 expression was performed by HIV-1 p24 antigen kit and flow cytometry respectively.Results:The results demonstrated that flower extracts of all species increased PBMCs number more than shoot,leaf and root extracts.However,the frequency of CD4 expression in PBMC was not increased in the presence of all flower extracts.The flower extracts of all species had inhibitory effect on HIV-1 replication.Conclusions:In conclusion,the results demonstrated that flower extracts of Artemisia species are good candidates for further studies as anticancer agents.