Objective To investigate the effects of Artemisia absinthium L. ( A. absinthium L. ) extracts on the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs). Methods A. absinthium water (AAW) and ethanol ( AAE) extracts were prepared. DCs were separated into several groups and treated with differ-ent concentrations of AAW (containing 5, 50 and 150μg/ml of polysaccharide) and AAE (containing 0. 6, 3 and 6 μg/ml of flavonoid) , respectively. Cell viability, antigen phagocytosis and maturation of DCs were detected by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. Western blot assay was performed to analyze the activation of key molecules in NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase ( MAPK) and janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription ( JAK/STAT) signaling pathways. Results AAW promoted the maturation of DCs, significantly decreased antigen phagocytosis and increased cytokine produc-tion (IL-12p40 and TNF-α). AAE significantly enhanced the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on the surface of DCs and decreased antigen phagocytosis, but had no significant effect on cytokine production. Mo-reover, AAE significantly inhibited the LPS-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-12p40 and IL-6. Further anal-ysis revealed that AAW and AAE could activate the phosphorylation of p38, extra-cellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), IKKα/β, NF-κBp65 and JAK2. Besides, AAE could activate the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase ( JNK ) and inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-κB ( IκB-α) , IKKα/β, NF-κBp65, p38, ERK and JAK2. Conclusion AAW could enhance immunity and AAE could inhibit inflammation.