Tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
Tanacetum vulgare, commonly known as tansy, is a traditional medicinal plant that has historical roots in various European and Asian herbal practices. It was traditionally used for a variety of purposes including insect repellent, folk remedies for digestive issues, and to treat skin conditions, though specific uses are not well-documented in the literature. Scientific evidence suggests that T. vulgare exhibits diverse responses under environmental stress. Under combined drought and herbivory stress, it showed increased abscisic acid levels and reduced biomass compared to other species. In contaminated soils, both T. vulgare and Solidago gigantea exhibited reduced metal uptake strategies; however, S. gigantea demonstrated lower metal accumulation levels. Additionally, T. vulgare displayed increased metal accumulation and antioxidant activity but had a reduced polyphenol content under multi-metal stress conditions. Notably, its essential oil has been shown to improve memory and increase BDNF expression in the hippocampus without inducing pathological changes. Safety profiles for T. vulgare are generally favorable with no major issues recorded. There is currently no evidence of significant drug interactions; however, due to its potential effects on the central nervous system, caution should be exercised when considering its use alongside medications that affect brain function or metabolism.
- 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
- Tanacetum vulgare showed increased abscisic acid and reduced biomass under combined drought and herbivory stress, differing from responses in other species.
- Both Tanacetum vulgare and Solidago gigantea exhibited reduced metal uptake strategies in contaminated soils, with S. gigantea showing lower metal accumulation levels.
- Tanacetum vulgare showed increased metal accumulation and antioxidant activity but reduced polyphenol content under multi-metal stress.
- Both doses of Tanacetum vulgare essential oil improved various memory tasks and increased hippocampal BDNF expression in rats.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tansy?
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) 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 Tansy?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Tansy; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Tanacetum vulgare showed increased abscisic acid and reduced biomass under combined drought and herbivory stress, differing from responses in other species.
How strong is the evidence for Tansy?
The strongest finding for Tansy carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Tansy safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Tansy in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Tansy interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Tansy in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Tansy?
Tansy is also known as: пижма обыкновенная, Tanaisie commune.
Is Tansy 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 Integrated Biochemical and Ultrastructural Responses of Tanacetum vulgare L. to Multi-Metal Stress. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Neurocognitive and Memory-Enhancing Effect of Tanacetum vulgare Essential Oil: Involvement of Hippocampal Neurotrophic Signaling. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative study of trace metal accumulation in native and invasive plant species. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Species-specific, accession-specific, and common responses of foliar phytohormones and morphological traits to drought and herbivory. literature abstract metadata