Transformation of A. carvifolia with rol B and rol C genes resulted in the enhancement of its secondary metabolites, particularly artemisinin and its derivatives. Transcript levels of the rol B and rol C genes found in the transgenics also correlated with their artemisinin accumulation pattern. An altered expression of genes involved in artemisinin and trichome biosynthesis was observed, indicating that rol gene integration modified the plant metabolism. The relationship between trichome density and accumulation of artemisinin and its derivatives was confirmed.