Russian Tarragon Extract
Also known as: Russian Tarragon, Estragon, Artemisia dracunculus L.
Overview
Russian Tarragon Extract is derived from the leaves of Artemisia dracunculus, a perennial herb with culinary and medicinal uses, particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe. The extract contains bioactive compounds like phenolics and flavonoids, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, and quercetin, which contribute to its pharmacological effects. It is primarily used as a supplement for its potential anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Research on Russian Tarragon is emerging, with evidence ranging from preliminary human studies to in vitro and animal models. While promising, more high-quality clinical trials and systematic reviews are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Russian Tarragon extract has demonstrated several potential health benefits. It may improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, potentially preventing diet-induced insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, as shown in animal models. Human studies suggest it may influence plasma creatine retention and anaerobic performance when combined with creatine supplementation. The extract may also exert anti-inflammatory effects and help preserve pancreatic β-cell function, which is relevant for diabetes management. Furthermore, extracts show inhibitory activity on human monoamine oxidase A and B (hMAO-A and hMAO-B), enzymes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and depression, suggesting neuroprotective and antidepressant potential. A specific extract (PMI5011) prevented high-fat diet-induced ectopic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in a rodent model, indicating potential benefits in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.
How it works
Russian Tarragon extract's mechanism of action involves several pathways. It appears to modulate insulin signaling pathways and glucose uptake, possibly through phenolic compounds that improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperglycemia. The extract may also reduce inflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress, contributing to β-cell preservation and metabolic health. Additionally, it inhibits hMAO-A and hMAO-B enzymes, which degrade neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, potentially improving mood and cognitive function. The combination of flavonoids and phenolics likely acts synergistically to produce these effects rather than any single compound alone.
Side effects
Russian Tarragon extract is generally considered safe when used at low to moderate doses in humans, with no significant adverse effects reported in available clinical studies. However, due to limited human data, uncommon or rare side effects are not well characterized. Potential interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or antidiabetic medications should be considered due to its MAO inhibitory and glucose-lowering effects. Use with caution in individuals on MAO inhibitors or with hypoglycemia risk. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. No common or serious side effects (>5%) have been documented in controlled trials.
Dosage
Clinical studies have used low doses of aqueous Russian Tarragon extract, such as 500 mg prior to creatine supplementation in a short-term setting. However, standardized dosing for metabolic or neuroprotective effects is not well established. The optimal dose range is not clearly defined, and further dose-response studies are needed. Some benefits may require chronic administration, as acute effects on creatine retention were not significant. Aqueous extracts are common, while methanol extracts show stronger MAO inhibition in vitro but are less studied clinically. More research is needed to determine appropriate dosage guidelines.
FAQs
Is Russian Tarragon extract effective for blood sugar control?
Preliminary evidence suggests it may improve insulin sensitivity and prevent metabolic dysfunction, but more large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Can it enhance athletic performance?
Short-term ingestion prior to creatine supplementation did not significantly improve muscle creatine content or sprint performance in one RCT.
Is it safe to use with antidepressants?
Caution is advised due to potential MAO inhibition; consult a healthcare provider before combining Russian Tarragon extract with antidepressants.
How long before effects are seen?
Benefits on metabolic parameters likely require weeks to months of consistent use; acute effects are less clear and require further investigation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3975968/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Russian Tarragon extract on muscle creatine content and sprint performance. The study found no significant increase in muscle creatine or sprint performance with short-term, low-dose aqueous extract supplementation before creatine intake, and no adverse effects were reported. The small sample size and short duration limit the generalizability of these findings.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29476602/ – This animal study examined the effects of a specific Russian Tarragon extract (PMI5011) on high-fat diet-induced obesity in rodents. The extract prevented insulin resistance, ectopic lipid accumulation, and metabolic dysfunction in the animal model. While promising, these results need to be translated to human studies to confirm their relevance.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.653993/full – This review and in vitro enzyme inhibition study explored the effects of Russian Tarragon extracts on hMAO-A and hMAO-B enzymes. The extracts inhibited these enzymes with moderate potency, with methanol extracts being most effective, suggesting synergistic effects of multiple compounds. The clinical relevance of these in vitro findings requires further investigation.
- https://www.casi.org/tarragon-is-terrific – This is a general informational resource about Tarragon. It provides an overview of the herb's culinary uses and potential health benefits, but lacks specific scientific research or clinical data.
- https://edepot.wur.nl/23177 – This source appears to be a dissertation or thesis related to the study of herbs and their properties. Without further context, it's difficult to provide a specific summary, but it likely contains detailed information on the chemical composition and potential applications of various herbs, including Tarragon.
