Artemisia absinthium leaves are used to obtain the CO2 extract. The plant is also known as common wormwood.
Like the corresponding essential oil, wormwood CO2 extract is recommended for gastritis, pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal disorders. The extract helps to quickly get rid of edema, it is recommended for liver diseases, bile liquefaction and to combat helminths. Taking CO2 extract from wormwood significantly reduces cravings for alcohol. A good effect can be expected when using the extract in aroma lamps. When taken in this way, the extract has a tonic effect and relieves coughing, helps with bronchial asthma. The extract can be used for massage, relieves pain and inflammation in joint diseases – rheumatism, arthritis, and also heals ulcers and burns.
Wormwood O2 extract can be considered as a spicy bitter substance with a strong characteristic aroma for the preparation of sauces for roasted meat and fatty dishes. The microemulsion based on the extract is most commonly used in food production to make alcoholic beverages such as absinthe, vermouth, chartreuse liqueur and vermouth vodka. It is advisable to use microemulsions in the formulations of alcohol-free Schweppes-type tonics.
Wormwood CO2 extract “Biozevtika” is a dark green viscous liquid with a bitter, pronounced smell of wormwood.
Chart 1. Main components of CO2 extract from wormwood
| NAME | CONTENT IN% OF THE AMOUNT OF VOLATILE COMPONENTS | EFFECT |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha- and Beta-Thujone | 31 | Adaptogen, soothing, bactericidal. |
| Isoalantolactone and alantolactone | 16 | Anthelmintic, antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant, antitumor, bactericidal, hypotensive, lowers blood sugar. |
| Sabine | 10 | Anthelmintic, antimicrobial. |
| Myrcene | 10 | Has a calming effect. Mainly used in the synthesis of fragrances for perfumery and cooking. |
| 1,8 Cineole | 2,2 | expectorant, disinfectant. Extremely powerful antiseptic, heals, numbs. |
| Alpha Turmeric | 1,2 | Bactericidal, anticancer (cervical cancer), antitoxic. |
| Cymene | 1,0 | Limited use in perfumery. |
| Palmitic acid | 1,1 | Unsaturated fatty acid for hydrophobing in cosmetics. |
In cosmetology, wormwood extract is used as a component of the following preparations:
– for removing acne, blackheads, comedones and abscesses;
– in creams for oily, damaged skin;
– in rejuvenating and nourishing creams;
– in preparations for moisturizing the skin, increasing elasticity and improving the color of the skin.
Infusions and oils from wormwood have always been used as a medicinal plant. In ancient Egypt, the priestesses of the goddess of motherhood wore wreaths of wormwood sprigs. In ancient Rome, infusion of wormwood in wine was considered one of the prizes awarded to winners of chariot races.
Wormwood grows almost all over Europe. In southern Europe, the USA, the Krasnodar Territory and the Crimea, it is grown to obtain essential oils.