A Users Guide to Artemesia dracunculus L.

Artemisia dracunculus L. (Tarragon) is used as a seasoning and flavouring agent. From 1973 to 1983, demand for French tarragon in the United States increased 2.5 fold in volume and 5.4 fold in value. The primary exports of French tarragon have been European growers, with labour and production costs similar to the United States, suggesting a potential market for domestic producers. The oil is widely used in food flavouring formulations. The aromatic leaves are used as a stimulant and also as a spice. The therapeutic properties reported are analgesic, expectorant, tonic, antiseptic and stimulant. In vivo studies mainly in rodents highlight potential anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antihyperglycemic effects. Antiplatelet activity has been reported from the oil of Artemisia dracunculus. The oil has also shown antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Essential oil use is particularly common in dermatology and for treating fungal infections which they are the most popular natural products of choice.