Quick Summary
Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) is an aromatic plant recognized for its chemically diverse terpene profile and a long history of traditional use in folk medicine. It contains a variety of secondary metabolites including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids, alkanes, aldehydes, volatile compounds, and sesquiterpene lactones. Although extensively studied for its phytochemical composition and traditional applications, clinical evidence supporting its health benefits remains limited and largely indirect. Safety information, potential drug interactions, and contraindications are not well-established in clinical settings, necessitating a cautious approach to use.
What is it?
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia and is characterized by its aromatic leaves and yellow button-like flowers. The plant is notable for its complex chemical composition, especially its rich variety of terpenes and other phytochemicals, which have been the subject of phytochemical and pharmacological research.
Traditional Uses
Tansy has been traditionally used in various folk medicine systems for its potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been applied for ailments related to infections, inflammation, liver protection, and parasitic infestations. Additionally, it has ethnobotanical uses as an insect repellent and pesticide.
Active Compounds
- Phenolic acids
- Flavonoids
- Coumarins
- Fatty acids
- Alkanes and aldehydes
- Volatile compounds and essential oils
- Sesquiterpene lactones
Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels
Moderate Evidence
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Traditional use for antimicrobial, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects: Partially validated by in vitro pharmacological studies and phytochemical analyses. Some preclinical evidence also supports hepatoprotective and anthelmintic activities.
References: Khatib et al. 2023; Ahmed et al. 2023; Di Martile et al. 2020.
Low Evidence
-
Potential neuroprotective and multi-target modulation in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s: Suggested by broad reviews of natural products including Tanacetum species but without specific clinical trials for tansy itself.
Reference: Aktary et al. 2025. -
Insect repellent and pesticidal properties: Indicated by chemical diversity studies and ethnopharmacological reports, primarily based on preclinical and ecological research.
References: Fragkouli et al. 2023; Khatib et al. 2023.
Evidence Insufficient
- Direct clinical evidence for therapeutic use in humans: No published randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews directly investigating tansy in clinical populations. Current data are mostly derived from preclinical, phytochemical, or ethnobotanical studies.
Side Effects
Specific adverse effects have not been systematically documented in clinical reports. Given its membership in the Asteraceae family, tansy may cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Overall, comprehensive clinical safety data are lacking.
Drug Interactions
No clinical data are available regarding drug interactions with Tanacetum vulgare. Due to its complex phytochemical composition, potential pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions cannot be ruled out but have not been studied.
Who Should Avoid It
- Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use due to absence of safety data and potential toxicity.
- Persons with unknown health conditions should consult healthcare providers before use.
Evidence Limitations
- Lack of rigorous clinical trials or human pharmacological studies.
- Most current data derive from in vitro, in vivo, phytochemical, ecological, or ethnobotanical research.
- Phytochemical composition varies depending on chemotype, plant part, and environmental factors, complicating standardization.
- Limited information is available on safety, adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications in humans.
References
- Khatib S et al., 2023. Tanacetum species: Bridging empirical knowledge, phytochemistry, nutritional value, health benefits and clinical evidence. Front Pharmacol.
- Aktary N et al., 2025. Unveiling the therapeutic potential of natural products in Alzheimer’s disease: insights from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Front Pharmacol.
- Ahmed H et al., 2023. An Inventory of Anthelmintic Plants across the Globe. Pathogens.
- Di Martile M et al., 2020. Essential Oils and Their Main Chemical Components: The Past 20 Years of Preclinical Studies in Melanoma. Cancers.
- Fragkouli R et al., 2023. Mediterranean Plants as Potential Source of Biopesticides: An Overview of Current Research and Future Trends. Metabolites.
- Ziaja D, Müller C., 2025. Intraspecific and intra-individual chemodiversity and phenotypic integration of terpenes across plant parts and development stages in an aromatic plant. Plant Biol.
- Parasiticidal effects of Tanacetum vulgare extract against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 2021.
Last Reviewed
June 2024
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The health benefits and safety of tansy have not been fully established through clinical research. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.