Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Artemisia dracunculus, commonly known as tarragon, is a perennial herb traditionally used in French cuisine but with no specific traditional medicinal uses recorded. Scientific evidence indicates that there are significant variations among different genotypes of tarragon from Iran, particularly noting the superior characteristics of the Dehshad population. In a study involving MASLD (Mouse Alcoholic Steatohepatitis), SCO treatment downregulated miR-3073a-3p expression and activated protective pathways, suggesting potential benefits for liver injury. Additionally, tarragon, along with sage, savory, oregano, and thyme, has been found to inhibit the growth of moth larvae, indicating the presence of compounds that may limit larval development or survival. While a hydrodistillate from tarragon did not show toxic effects on Lemna minor at lower volumes, essential oil at higher concentrations demonstrated potential ecotoxicity. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for tarragon to date.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Tarragon, sage, savory, oregano, and thyme did not allow growth of either moth species, suggesting the presence of compounds limiting larval growth or survival.
- The hydrodistillate did not show toxic effects on Lemna minor, but essential oil volumes of 0.5 µL and above reduced frond numbers by 50% or more.
- Significant variations were observed among seven tarragon genotypes from Iran in vegetative traits, with the Dehshad population exhibiting superior characteristics.
- SCO treatment downregulated miR-3073a-3p expression and activated protective pathways, alleviating liver injury in MASLD.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tarragon?
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Tarragon?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Tarragon; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Tarragon, sage, savory, oregano, and thyme did not allow growth of either moth species, suggesting the presence of compounds limiting larval growth or survival.
How strong is the evidence for Tarragon?
The strongest finding for Tarragon carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Tarragon safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Tarragon in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Tarragon interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Tarragon in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Tarragon?
Tarragon is also known as: эстрагон, Armoise estragon, Estragon, Dragonne.
Is Tarragon a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Effects of Tarragon Hydrodistillate and Essential Oil on Aquatic Ecosystems. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Susceptibility of Cooking Herbs to Stored-Product Moths. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Scoparone ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by regulating the miR-3073a-3p/CAMKK2 axis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of morphological diversity and phenotypic relationships among wild populations of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) germplasm from Iran. literature abstract metadata