Quick Summary
Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) is a plant known from phytochemical studies to contain chemical constituents such as guaianolides and fulvene lactones. Currently, there is no direct clinical research evidence for its medicinal benefits, safety, adverse effects, drug interactions, or contraindications in humans based on available data.
What is it
Blue Tansy is a flowering plant species identified scientifically as Tanacetum annuum. It has been studied primarily for its chemical makeup, which includes compounds like guaianolides and fulvene lactones. The plant has distinctive blue-colored essential oils and is recognized for its use in traditional and ethnobotanical contexts, although clinical research remains limited.
Traditional Uses
Ethnobotanical reports indicate that Blue Tansy and related species have been used in veterinary medicine and traditional practices in various cultures. Specific traditional uses have been documented in contexts such as treatment for animals, but such uses lack clinical validation or robust scientific evidence.
Active Compounds
- Guaianolides
- Fulvene lactones
These compounds have been characterized through phytochemical research but their biological effects in humans have not been established.
Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical trial data or systematic reviews/meta-analyses specific to Blue Tansy have been identified.
Traditional or Preclinical Evidence
Phytochemical constituents such as guaianolides and fulvene lactones have been characterized. Ethnobotanical uses exist but have not been clinically validated for efficacy or safety.
Side Effects
There are no documented human adverse effects from Blue Tansy in clinical studies. However, the lack of clinical data means potential side effects are not well understood.
Drug Interactions
Currently, there is no evidence of drug interactions involving Blue Tansy based on the available literature.
Who Should Avoid It
No known contraindications specific to Blue Tansy have been documented in clinical research. However, due to the absence of safety data, caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals as no clinical studies address its safety in these populations.
Evidence Limitations
The main limitation of the evidence concerning Blue Tansy is the lack of human clinical research, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses. Most information comes from phytochemical descriptions or traditional use reports without clinical validation. Therefore, the health effects, safety profile, and risks remain unclear and are not substantiated by high-quality clinical evidence.
References
- Guaianolides from Tanacetum annuum, 1990, Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/0031-9422(90)85279-o
- Fulvene lactones from Tanacetum annuum, 1987, Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/s0031-9422(00)81853-1
- Ethnoveterinary medicines used for horses in Trinidad and in British Columbia, Canada, 2006, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-2-31
- Traditional Herbal Medicine in Mesoamerica: Toward Its Evidence Base for Improving Universal Health Coverage, 2020, Frontiers in Pharmacology, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01160
- Medicinal plants and phytotherapy in Iran: Glorious history, current status and future prospects, 2021, Plant Science Today, https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.2021.8.1.926
Last Reviewed
June 2024
Disclaimer
This herb database page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information presented is based on currently available scientific research and traditional use reports, which may be limited. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications.