Artemisia dracunculus

Artemisia dracunculus, commonly known as tarragon, is a perennial herb celebrated for its distinct anise-like aroma and culinary versatility. Beyond the kitchen, this aromatic plant holds significant medicinal value, traditionally utilized for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a staple in both herbalism and gourmet cooking.

  • Scientific name: Artemisia dracunculus
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, falling into the family Asteraceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Artemisia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Artemisia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in both Great Britain and Norway. Moving toward the center of the continent, the species is also established in Middle Europe. Specifically, its range includes the territories of Austria and the Czechia-Slovakia region. Finally, the plant is documented as being present within Germany.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP

Chemicals

Artemisia dracunculus has 25 reported phytochemicals identified across 26 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include estragole, (-)-(R)-2'-methoxydihydroartemidin, 1-methoxy-4-(2-Propenyl)-benzene, 1R-alpha-pinene, 1S-alpha-pinene.

Total chemicals
25
Scientific sources
26

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
estragole 2 ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-(R)-2'-methoxydihydroartemidin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1-methoxy-4-(2-Propenyl)-benzene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1R-alpha-pinene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1S-alpha-pinene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3,5-diCQA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-octatriene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Estragole 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
I 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Artemisia dracunculus has 13 reported activities identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Analgesic, Antiepileptic.

Total activities
13
Scientific sources
17

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antifungal 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiepileptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Free-Radical Scavenging 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Artemisia dracunculus has 19 reported medicinal uses identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, antidepressant.

Total uses
19
Scientific sources
19

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
E. coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Helicobacter pylori 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus epidermidis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
blood glucose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dental caries 1 ★☆☆☆☆
digestive system diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆