Tarragol

Estragole, also called isoanethole or methylchavicol, is a colorless, anise-like smelling, oily liquid with the molecular formula C10H12O, which is hardly soluble in water. Chemically, it is a phenylpropanoid and an isomer of anethole.

Estragole has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies and levels should be kept as low as possible in food.

Tarragon is a component of essential oils obtained from tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus 60-75% tarragon), basil, anise, star anise, fennel, nutmeg, pine, lemon grass and turpentine. The substance is used in perfumes, liqueurs and foodstuffs as a fragrance or flavour.

The European Flavour Regulation 1334/2008 (Annex III, Part A) regulates the use of tarragol in flavourings and foods. As a pure substance, tarragol must not be added to flavourings and foods.

1. Abtahi Froushani SM et al.(2016) Estragole and methyl-eugenol-free extract of Artemisia dracunculus possesses immunomodulatory effects. Avicenna J Phytomed 6:526-534.
2. Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods and amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91, Regulations (EC) No 2232/96 and (EC) No 110/2008 and Directive 2000/13/EC.
3. https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/presseinformation/2002/16/estragol__und_methyleugenolgehalte_in_lebensmitteln_verringern-1066.html