Tansy Extract
Also known as: Tansy, common tansy, Tanacetum parthenium, feverfew, Tanacetum balsamita, Tanacetum vulgare
Overview
Tansy extract is derived from the aerial parts of *Tanacetum* species, primarily *T. vulgare* and *T. balsamita*. It is rich in essential oils containing monoterpenes like camphor, chrysantenyl acetate, and verbenol, along with α, β-unsaturated aldehydes. Traditionally, it has been used for its antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as for treating festering wounds, skin ulcers, and urinary tract infections. While a related species, feverfew (*T. parthenium*), is known for migraine prophylaxis, tansy extract itself is primarily recognized for its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. Research on tansy extract is moderate, with most evidence coming from in vitro and animal studies, and limited high-quality human clinical trials.
Benefits
Tansy extract exhibits notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Hexane extracts of *T. balsamita* flowers have shown strong antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against uropathogenic bacteria (*Proteus vulgaris*) and various yeasts ranging from 1.56–25 µg/mL, indicating significant potential against microbial infections. The essential oil of *T. vulgare* demonstrates high peroxyl radical scavenging ability, with ORAC values around 605 µmol Trolox equivalents/mL, highlighting its antioxidant capacity. Preliminary evidence also suggests potential antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus (HSV) in vitro, though this is not conclusively proven in clinical settings. There is a lack of robust clinical data in humans to establish population-specific benefits or effect sizes. While feverfew (*T. parthenium*) has been studied for migraine, its efficacy remains inconclusive, and these findings do not directly apply to tansy extract.
How it works
The antimicrobial effects of tansy extract are primarily attributed to its α, β-unsaturated aldehydes and oxygenated monoterpenes, which are believed to disrupt microbial membranes and metabolic processes. Its antioxidant properties stem from the ability of its essential oil components to scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress. While these mechanisms are understood at a cellular level, the specific molecular targets within human systems are not well-characterized. The extract's interaction with body systems is mainly observed through topical antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, with systemic effects largely unstudied. Due to the lipophilic nature of its essential oils and extracts, absorption is likely, but human bioavailability data is currently lacking.
Side effects
The overall safety of tansy extract in humans is not well-documented due to a lack of clinical trials. Animal studies suggest low toxicity, with an LD50 for *T. vulgare* essential oil in rats around 14.9 g/kg intraperitoneally, indicating a wide safety margin in animals. However, common side effects in humans are not well-documented; traditional topical use may lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. Uncommon and rare side effects are unknown due to insufficient clinical data. Drug interactions are not documented, but caution is advised given the presence of bioactive compounds. Tansy extract is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data and the potential toxicity of essential oils. Its use in children or other vulnerable populations has not been established.
Dosage
Optimal and minimum effective dosages for tansy extract in humans have not been established due to a lack of clinical trials. Traditional use primarily involves topical application of extracts or oils, without standardized internal dosing guidelines. The maximum safe dose for humans is unknown, although animal studies suggest that very high doses can be toxic. Timing considerations for administration are also not established. The essential oil's chemotype can vary, with camphor-rich oils being predominant in some *T. vulgare* varieties. Due to its lipophilic nature, absorption might be enhanced with fats, but human pharmacokinetic data is unavailable. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is tansy extract safe for internal use?
Limited safety data exists for internal use; it is not recommended without medical supervision due to potential toxicity of its essential oils.
Can tansy extract treat infections?
In vitro studies show antimicrobial activity, but clinical efficacy in humans for treating infections is not yet proven.
Does tansy extract help migraines?
Feverfew (*T. parthenium*), a related species, has been studied for migraines with inconclusive results; tansy extract itself lacks clinical data for this use.
How quickly does it work?
There is no clinical data available on the onset of action for tansy extract in humans.
Is it effective against viruses?
Some preliminary in vitro evidence suggests activity against HSV, but clinical confirmation of antiviral efficacy is lacking.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1169629/full – This review and experimental study investigated *Tanacetum balsamita* extracts. It found that hexane extracts exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against uropathogenic bacteria and various yeasts, with MICs in the range of 1.56–25 µg/mL. The study also suggested potential antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV) in vitro, highlighting the plant's traditional medicinal uses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10457739/ – This experimental study focused on the essential oil of *Tanacetum vulgare* (camphor chemotype). It demonstrated high antioxidant capacity, with ORAC values around 605 µmol Trolox equivalents/mL, indicating strong peroxyl radical scavenging ability. The study also assessed acute toxicity in rats, finding a relatively low toxicity with an LD50 of approximately 14.9 g/kg intraperitoneally, suggesting a wide safety margin in animal models.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3210009/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of feverfew (*Tanacetum parthenium*) for migraine prevention. It included data from 147 migraine patients across various studies. The review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to definitively support feverfew's efficacy for migraine prevention, although some subgroup effects were noted. This study is relevant as it addresses a related *Tanacetum* species, highlighting the need for more robust clinical trials in the genus.
Recommended Articles
Herbal Boosters & COVID-19 Antivirals: Safe Mix?
Herbal supplements may interact with COVID-19 antivirals, requiring careful consideration and further research.
Top Immune Support Ingredients: What Works?
Vitamin D, zinc, and echinacea are key ingredients in immune support supplements, backed by scientific evidence.
Top Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Ingredients
Curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, CBD, and Vitamin D are proven to effectively reduce chronic inflammation.
Best Supplements for Cortisol Reduction: A Scientific Guide
Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, along with Phosphatidylserine, are effective in reducing cortisol levels, supported by scientific studies.