Tanacetum vulgare

Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare, commonly known as Tansy, is a perennial herb valued for its aromatic foliage and bright yellow button-like flowers. Historically used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues and parasitic infections, it must be handled with care due to its potent essential oils and potential toxicity if misused.

  • Scientific name: Tanacetum vulgare
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Tanacetum.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Tanacetum vulgare, is referred to by various names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is called 菊蒿 (jú hāo), while in Polish, it is known as wrotycz pospolity. The French language identifies it as Tanaisie commune, and in the regional French dialect of Romansh, it is called Riinfreenken. Additionally, in Hungarian, the species is referred to as gilisztaűző varádics.
Language Common Name Source
zh 菊蒿 Wikidata
pl wrotycz pospolity Wikidata
fr Tanaisie commune Wikidata
frr Riinfreenken Wikidata
hu gilisztaűző varádics Wikidata
lv Parastais biškrēsliņš Wikidata
li Wörmzäödsje Wikidata
et Harilik soolikarohi Wikidata
de Rainfarn Wikidata
ja タンジー Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a distinct presence across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its distribution extends to the island territories of the Førøyars. Additionally, the species is documented throughout Great Britain. Finally, this medicinal plant is also established in the rugged terrain of Iceland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Tansy, is a perennial herb characterized by its distinct morphological features used in traditional medicine. The entire herb is often utilized, though specific therapeutic properties are concentrated in different structures. The leaves are deeply divided and aromatic, serving as a primary source of its bioactive compounds. At the flowering stage, the plant produces bright, button-like inflorescences that sit atop sturdy stems. While the roots can be processed for certain applications, much of the plant's medicinal potency is derived from its essential oil, which is extracted from the foliage and flowers to provide its characteristic pungent scent and pharmacological effects.
Total parts
5
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflorescents 1 ★☆☆☆☆
herbs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Essential Oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Tanacetum vulgare has 28 reported phytochemicals identified across 31 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-DCQA, 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-glucoside, Camphor.

Total chemicals
28
Scientific sources
31

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 3 ★★☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
3,5-DCQA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
6-hydroxyluteolin 7-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Camphor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cd 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Eucalyptol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Germacrene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Linalool oxide acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pb 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Tanacetum vulgare has 13 reported activities identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic.

Total activities
13
Scientific sources
16

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anthelmintic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antispasmodic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiparasitic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Choleretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Tanacetum vulgare has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antispasmodic, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, coccidiosis.

Total uses
12
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antispasmodic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coccidiosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diuretic effect 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diuretics 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastric ulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆