Dr. Axe Wire · Food, herbs & supplements · health

Mugwort Extract And Its Compound Sabinene Protect Stomach Lining In Mice

A traditional herb used for digestive trouble showed measurable gut-protective effects in a new mouse study worth watching.

By Dr. Axe Editorial Team · October 22, 2026 · 1 source · Watch

A hydroalcoholic extract of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and its compound sabinene reduced stomach ulcer damage and prevented ulcers from coming back in mice, according to a study published October 13, 2026 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Researchers tested a hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia vulgaris, commonly called mugwort, and its constituent sabinene in mice with ulcers caused by ethanol, the pain reliever piroxicam, pyloric ligation, acetic acid, and a recurrence model triggered by the immune signaling protein IL-1β and tracked with ultrasound imaging. Chemical analysis identified 36 compounds in the extract, mostly phenolics and flavonoids. At doses of 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, the extract (and sabinene at 3 mg/kg) reduced ulceration in both the healing and recurrence models, increased the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and the enzyme catalase (CAT), and reduced lipid damage markers (LPO), an inflammatory enzyme (MPO), and the inflammatory signaling proteins IL-6 and IL-17A. The extract also raised stomach pH compared with the acid-blocking drug omeprazole. No acute toxicity was observed in the mice.

Computer modeling and molecular docking showed phenolic compounds and sabinene forming stable interactions with two targets: the stomach's acid pump (H+/K+-ATPase) and an inflammatory signaling protein (IKKβ), a proposed mechanism the authors say still needs direct confirmation. In plain terms, the idea is that the extract could work by turning down both acid production and the inflammatory chemical messengers that keep an ulcer irritated and slow to heal.

Nonetheless, further studies are warranted to validate the predicted molecular targets and to elucidate additional pharmacological pathways

Study authorsJournal of Ethnopharmacology, 2026

This is a mouse and computational study, not a human trial, so there is no human dosing or safety data yet, and the molecular targets identified by modeling still need direct confirmation. Traditional use of mugwort for digestive complaints does not establish an effective or safe human dose.

Dr. Axe’s Take

Mugwort has a long history in traditional medicine for digestive complaints, and this study offers a plausible dual mechanism: calming acid output while quieting the inflammatory signals that keep ulcer tissue from healing. Mice aren't people, so I wouldn't self-treat ulcer symptoms with this extract. If you have stomach pain, heartburn, or suspect an ulcer, get evaluated and keep taking any prescribed medication exactly as directed. Alongside that care, I'd look at reducing unnecessary NSAID use, managing stress, and supporting the stomach lining with bone broth, zinc-rich foods, and cabbage juice.

— Dr. Axe

Take the Cellular Health Quiz →

Story summary

Who: Mice; sample size not reported in the abstract
Design: In vivo mouse ulcer models (ethanol, piroxicam, pyloric ligation, acetic acid, IL-1β-triggered recurrence) plus in silico docking and molecular dynamics
Dose: Extract: 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg; sabinene: 3 mg/kg
Primary result: Extract and sabinene reduced ulceration in healing and recurrence models; extract raised gastric pH versus omeprazole
Secondary: Increased GSH and catalase activity; reduced lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase, IL-6, and IL-17A; no acute toxicity observed; 36 compounds identified in extract
Funding / conflicts: Funders listed in the journal record: Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras; FAPESC; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación; CAPES; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. Conflicts not reported in the abstract.
Date: Oct 13, 2026