Jusan (Artemisia L.) in the flora of Kazakhstan: a brief overview of its botanical characteristics, biologically active compounds and medical significance

The genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as jusan, represents one of the most taxonomically diverse and pharmacologically significant groups of medicinal plants, widely distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Kazakhstan is a major center of diversity for Artemisia, where numerous species play essential ecological, ethnobotanical, and medicinal roles. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological potential of Artemisia species occurring in the flora of Kazakhstan, with particular emphasis on A. absinthium, A. terrae-albae, A. cina, A. pauciflora, A. vulgaris, and A. schrenkiana. The review summarizes their taxonomy, morphology, geographical distribution, and adaptive ecological features. Special attention is given to biologically active compounds such as essential oils, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, coumarins, and alkaloids, which contribute to various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Particular emphasis is placed on artemisinin and santonin due to their important therapeutic applications. Recent studies on the use of Artemisia extracts in green nanotechnology and biomedical applications are also briefly discussed.