Phytochemical variability of common tansy

Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant of the aster family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. Common tansy is often mentioned in the literature as a plant with de-worming properties of livestock (Waller et al., 2011). Its use in commercial products is also reported (Valchev et al., 2009). However, only few studies have been devoted to the domestication and cultivation of this perennial species.

During three years (2004 – 2006), a study was conducted in Switzerland to analyse the morphological and phytochemical variability present within the Asteraceae species. Thirty accessions from ten countries were evaluated. Significant differences between the accessions were recorded, such as the essential oil content of the leaves and flowers (0.30 – 1.39%) and high variations of the contents of several molecules in the essential oil such as α-thujone (0 – 84%), β-thujone (0 – 96%), chrysanthenone (10 – 83%), lyratol (23 – 55%) and umbellulone (6 – 36%). This high variability, especially the composition of the essential oil, is a valuable basis for a breeding program. Important knowledge was also gained for breeding and cultivation of common tansy (floral biology, harvesting stage, pests, yields, location).

References:

[1] Waller P.J., Bernes G., Thamsborg S.M., Sukura A., Richter S.H., Ingebrigsten K., Höglund J., 2001. Plants as de-worming agents of livestock in the nordic countries: historicol perspective, popular beliefs and prospects for the future. Acta Vet. Scand., 42, 31 – 44.

[2] Valchev G., Popova-Ralcheva S., Bonovska M., Zaprianova I., Gudev D., 2009. Effect of dietary supplements of herb extracts on performance in growing pigs. Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry, 25(5/6), 859 – 870.