Artemisia dracunculus
The genus Artemisia contains over 500 species and is one of the largest within the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, widely distributed across the temperate zones of Europe, Asia, and North America. These plants vary in form, including perennial, biennial, and annual herbs or small shrubs.
General morphological features of this genus include alternate leaves and small capitula arranged in racemose, paniculate, or capitate inflorescences, rarely solitary. Phyllaries occur in few rows and may be hirsute; florets are all tubular, producing small, dry, indehiscent fruit [1].
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb or small shrub, growing 120–150 cm tall with slender branches. Its leaves are lanceolate, 2–8 cm long, 2–10 mm wide, glossy green with entire margins. Flowers form small capitula 2–4 mm in diameter, each containing up to 40 yellow or greenish-yellow florets. Seeds are achenes approximately 1.5 mm in length [2].
Common names for tarragon include Tarkhun (Arabic, Russian), ai hao (Mandarin), estragoa (Dutch), dragon (Dutch, Swedish), estragon (French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Russian), tarragon (Hebrew), estragon (Spanish), targone (Italian), esutoragon (Japanese), and estragao (Portuguese) [3].
Traditionally, tarragon leaves were used as antiepileptic, laxative, antispasmodic, antidiabetic, anticoagulant, and carminative agents. The root was employed to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding and to aid difficult labor [4, 5].
Artemisia dracunculus is rich in terpenoids as well as caffeoylquinic acids, sterols, acetylenes, flavonoids, and coumarins.
Russian tarragon and French tarragon are the two best-known regional varieties of A. dracunculus. Russian variety’s major components include terpinen-4-ol, sabinene, and elemicin, while estragole and β-ocimene (3.0–5.3%) predominate in French tarragon. Essential oil composition varies significantly depending on plant origin [6–8].
**Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Chemical Composition (%) some of Artemisia dracunculus essential oil from Europea and Asia:
|
|
Italian |
Iran |
French |
Russian |
|
Terpinene-4-ol |
trace |
trace |
trace |
10-40 |
|
Sabinene |
trace |
trace |
trace |
10-30 |
|
Elemicin |
trace |
1-3 |
trace |
20-50 |
|
Estragole |
50-70 |
up to 40 |
up to 70 |
up to 3 |
|
β-ocimene |
smaller than 5 |
1-5 |
up to 10 |
5-10 |
|
trans- Anethole* |
30- 50 |
5-10 |
5-10 |
trace |
|
Methyl eugenol |
trace |
3-5 |
1-5 |
up to 10 |
*Observed in essential oils from plants grown in the hilly regions of Italy (between Emilia and Tuscany).
Applications and Benefits Across Various Industries:
1- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Industry
Tarragon essential oil is highly valued in both traditional and modern medicine for its antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and digestive-enhancing properties. Active compounds such as estragole, methyl eugenol, and α-pinene help reduce muscle spasms, alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, and act as mild anesthetics. The oil also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential candidate for managing oxidative stress-related conditions and inflammation. Its calming properties are sometimes utilized in aromatherapy to ease anxiety and promote restful sleep. However, therapeutic use requires careful monitoring due to regulatory concerns about potential carcinogens like estragole and methyl eugenol
2- Food and Beverage Industry
In culinary applications, tarragon essential oil is a prized flavoring agent, especially in French cuisine. It imparts a distinctive sweet, anise-like taste primarily due to estragole and is commonly used to flavor vinegars, mustards, salad dressings, sauces, and liqueurs. Its natural origin and aromatic profile make it a preferred alternative to synthetic additives. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties can help extend the shelf life of some food products. However, food-grade usage is limited to low concentrations due to safety regulations concerning estragole and methyl eugenol content.
3- Cosmetic and Fragrance Industry
Tarragon essential oil is utilized in cosmetics and perfumery for its refreshing, sweet, and herbaceous aroma. It is incorporated into soaps, body lotions, deodorants, colognes, and perfumes, providing fragrance as well as mild antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Natural terpenes such as limonene and α-pinene also act as skin penetration enhancers, potentially improving cosmetic formulation efficacy. Additionally, tarragon oil is used in natural skincare products for soothing irritation and as a botanical alternative to synthetic preservatives.
4- Agriculture and Pest Control
Tarragon essential oil shows promise as a natural biopesticide. Compounds like methyl eugenol serve as insect attractants in traps, aiding eco-friendly pest management. Its antifungal and antibacterial activities suggest potential for controlling plant pathogens. Employing essential oils in pest control can reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, supporting sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
5- Nutraceutical and Functional Food Products
Due to its bioactive compounds, tarragon oil is used in nutraceuticals. It is marketed in low doses within digestive tonics, herbal supplements, and functional beverages to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and support immune health. Its antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative damage, potentially lowering chronic disease risk. However, inclusion in oral supplements is strictly regulated regarding dosage and labeling due to its potent bioactivity and possible toxicity at high doses.
6- Aromatherapy and Wellness
In aromatherapy, tarragon essential oil is prized for muscle relaxation, stress relief, and improved sleep quality. Soothing compounds like terpinolene and estragole create a calming atmosphere when diffused. The oil may also support respiratory health, especially in blends with eucalyptus or pine oils. Its antispasmodic action makes it popular in massage oils and balms, providing relief from muscle soreness and menstrual cramps.
7- Veterinary and Animal Care
Although less common, tarragon essential oil is under investigation for veterinary uses, particularly in natural dewormers and wound care solutions for animals. Its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties indicate potential in eco-friendly treatments for livestock and pets. Nonetheless, further toxicological studies are necessary to establish safe usage levels across species.
References
1- M. Willcox, G. Bodeker, G. Bourdy, V. Dhingra, J. Falquet, J. F. Ferreira, B. Graz, H.-M. Hirt, E. Hsu and P. M. de Magalhães, Traditional medicinal plants and malaria 2004, 4, 43.
2- K. S. Bora and A. Sharma, Pharmaceutical biology 2011, 49, 101.
3- S. Raghavan, 'Handbook of spices, seasonings, and flavorings', CRC press, 2006.
4- D. Obolskiy, I. Pischel, B. Feistel, N. Glotov and M. Heinrich, Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2011, 59, 11367.
5- H. Ekiert, J. Świątkowska, E. Knut, P. Klin, A. Rzepiela, M. Tomczyk and A. Szopa, Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021, 12, 653993.
6- T. D. Bhutia and K. M. Valant-Vetschera, Natural Product Communications 2008, 3, 1934578X0800300811.
7- R. Piccaglia, M. Marotti, E. Giovanelli, S. G. Deans and E. Eaglesham, Industrial crops and Products 1993, 2, 47.
8- D. Fraternale, G. Flamini and D. Ricci, Natural Product Communications 2015, 10, 1934578X1501000839.
