Journal article
Artemisia dracunculus L. (Tarragon): a critical review of its traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology, and safety
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol.59(21), pp.11367-11384
2011
Metrics
32 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
<p><em>Artemisia dracunculus</em> 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 <em>A. dracunculus</em> 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.</p>
Details
- Title
- Artemisia dracunculus L. (Tarragon): a critical review of its traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology, and safety
- Creators
- Dmitry Obolskiy - University of LondonIvo Pischel - University of LondonFeistel Bjoern - Finzelberg GmbH & Company KG, GermanyGlotov Nikolay - I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, MoscowMichael Heinrich - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol.59(21), pp.11367-11384
- Identifiers
- 1062; 991012821286802368
- Academic Unit
- Southern Cross Plant Science
- Resource Type
- Journal article