Tarragon Oil

Chemical properties

Tarragon oil (estragon oil) is produced by steam distillation of leaves, stems, and flowers of Artemisia dracunculus L. (Asteraceae). It is a pale yellow to amber liquid with a characteristic, spicy, delicate estragon odor reminiscent of licorice and sweet basil. The following specifications refer to tarragon oil obtained from plants cultivated in Southern France.
d²⁰₂₀ 0.918–0.950; n²⁰_D 1.508–1.518; α²⁰_D +2 ° to+6 °; acid number: max. 1; saponification number: max. 18; solubility: 1 vol in ≤ 4 vol of 90% ethanol. Estragole is the main constituent of tarragon oil (68–84%) and primarily determines the sensory properties.
Worldwide production of tarragon oil only amounts to a few tons per year. Important producers are, for example, Hungary, Iran, and France. Tarragon oil is used mainly in flavor compositions, smaller quantities are employed in perfumery.

Chemical properties

The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of leaves, stem and flowers of the plant, in yields varying from 0.3 to 1.4%. The oil has a delicate, spicy odor similar to licorice and sweet basil, but characteristic of tarragon oil.

Physical properties

The oil is a pale-yellow to amber liquid. It is soluble in most fixed oils and in an equal volume of mineral oil, occasionally becomes hazy on further dilution. It is relatively insoluble in propylene glycol and is insoluble in glycerin.

Occurrence

Found in the plant Artemesia dracunculus L. (Fam. Compositae).

The Uses of Tarragon Oil

tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is said to have tonic and stimulating properties. Its primary active is estragol, a phenol also known as methyl chavicol. other constituents include cymene and phellandrene.

Preparation

By steam distillation of the leaves, stems and flowers of the plant Artemesia dracunculus L.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Artemisia dracunculus, Compositae.

Essential oil composition

In general, the oil contains a large amount of terpenes, such as pinene, myrcene, anethole (approximately 10%) and up to 60 to 75% estragole (methyl chavicol).

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. A skin irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.