Artemisia dracunculus L. (Tarragon): A Critical Review of Its Traditional Use, Chemical Composition, Pharmacology, and Safety

Abstract

Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon) has a long history of use as a spice and remedy. Two well-described "cultivars" (Russian and French) are used widely and differ in ploidy level, morphology, and chemistry. Key biologically active secondary metabolites are essential oils (0.15-3.1%), coumarins (>1%), flavonoids, and phenolcarbonic acids. In vivo studies mainly in rodents, particularly from Russian sources, highlight potential anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antihyperglycemic effects. Despite concerns about the toxic effects of two of its main constituents, estragole (up to 82%) and methyleugenol (up to 39%), no acute toxicity or mutagenic activity has been reported at doses relevant for human consumption. Water extracts of A. dracunculus contain very low amounts of estragole and methyleugenol and, therefore, are considered to pose a very limited risk. Overall, a stronger focus on clinical studies and precise taxonomic and phytochemical definition of the source material will be essential for future research efforts.

Comparative studies on analytical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of a series of vegetal extracts prepared from eight plant species growing in Romania

“…As for phenolic content, tarragon herba was assigned with numerous polyphenols compounds such as coumarins (e.g., herniarin, esculetin, esculin, umbelliferone, scopoletin, scopanone, scoparin, etc. ), phenyl carboxylic acids (e.g., chlorogenic acid and its isomers, caffeic, chicoric, gentisic, anisic, hydroxybenzoic, and ferulic acids), and flavonoids (e.g., rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, isorhamnetin, and naringenin) [16]. In the present work, TLC qualitative study in System A setting (Figure 2A, T3 tracks) indicated tarragon herba (70%) ethanolic extract as being characterized by four main polyphenol compounds as follows: rutin (s1), chlorogenic acid (s2), and two other caffeoylquinic acid derivates, like 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (s3) and cichoric acid (s4).…”

Biosynthesis of silver nanocomposite with Tarragon leaf extract and assessment of antibacterial activity

“…Tarragon has been recently shown to have wide-ranging antimicrobial activities [26]. Based on some researchers, Tarragon has been shown to have antimicrobial activities against two bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli [27].…”

Phylogenetic Taxonomy of Artemisia L. Species from Kazakhstan Based on Matk Analyses

“…One of the most common examples is tarragon -A. dracunculus L. It is widespread in the wild across much of Eurasia and North America, and is cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes. Its essential oils are used as antibacterial agents; dry leaves are added as flavourings for meat and fish (Aglarova et al, 2008;Obolskiy et al, 2011).…”