# Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/costmary
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Tanacetum balsamita, Bible leaf, Alecost, Balsam herb, Sweet Mary, Mint geranium, Chrysanthemum balsamita, Balsamita major, Pyrethrum balsamita, Costmarie, Mary's herb

## Overview

Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) is a aromatic herb containing luteolin, apigenin, and camphor-derived terpenoids that drive its antioxidant and cholinesterase-inhibiting activity. Its polyphenolic compounds neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and suppress [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes, which are central targets in cognitive health research.

## Health Benefits

• Strong [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), particularly from flower heads, shown in in vitro studies (DPPH 84.54 mgTE/g, ABTS 96.35 mgTE/g).
• Inhibition of [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase and butyrylcholinesterase by leaves, suggesting potential for cognitive health support (in vitro, 2.11 mg GALAE/g and 2.43 mg GALAE/g, respectively).
• Roots demonstrate enzyme inhibition, affecting α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase, indicating potential for metabolic health (in vitro).
• Cytotoxic effects on leukemic cells, reducing cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (>2 µg/mL), though further research needed.
• Traditionally used for [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) diseases and as a sedative, suggesting potential for supporting general health and wellness.

## Mechanism of Action

Costmary's flavonoids, particularly luteolin and apigenin found in its leaves and flower heads, donate hydrogen atoms to neutralize DPPH and ABTS [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, measured at 84.54 mgTE/g and 96.35 mgTE/g respectively in vitro. The leaf extract inhibits [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) at potencies of 2.11 mg GALAE/g and 2.43 mg GALAE/g, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. This dual enzyme inhibition mirrors the pharmacological mechanism of approved cholinesterase-inhibitor drugs used in cognitive decline, suggesting relevance to the cholinergic signaling pathway.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for costmary is limited to in vitro studies measuring [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity via DPPH and ABTS assays and enzymatic inhibition assays for AChE and BChE; no human clinical trials have been published. The antioxidant data (DPPH: 84.54 mgTE/g; ABTS: 96.35 mgTE/g) and cholinesterase inhibition values (2.11–2.43 mg GALAE/g) were derived from standardized laboratory assays on plant extracts, not from dosing in living organisms. While these in vitro findings are promising, they cannot be directly extrapolated to human therapeutic outcomes without controlled clinical trials. The evidence base should be characterized as preliminary, and claims about [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) or antioxidant benefits in humans remain speculative at this stage.

## Nutritional Profile

Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) is a aromatic herb with limited comprehensive nutritional analysis in literature, but the following is documented or reasonably characterized: Bioactive compounds dominate its profile. Volatile essential oils constitute a primary fraction, with camphor (up to 40-60% of essential oil fraction in some chemotypes), 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol, ~10-20%), davadone, and chrysanthenyl acetate as key terpene constituents. Polyphenolic compounds are well-represented: flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin glycosides have been identified in leaf and flower fractions; phenolic acids including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid contribute significantly to the high [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) values recorded (DPPH 84.54 mgTE/g and ABTS 96.35 mgTE/g in flower heads). Sesquiterpene lactones, characteristic of the Asteraceae family, are present and likely contribute to enzyme inhibitory activity. As a leafy herb, proximate composition per 100g fresh weight is estimated to include: moisture ~80-85g, crude fiber ~2-3g, protein ~2-3g, with trace fats. Mineral content likely includes calcium, potassium, and magnesium typical of aromatic Mediterranean herbs, though precise quantification for this species is not extensively published. Vitamins A (as beta-carotene from chlorophyll-rich leaves) and C are presumed present based on botanical family characteristics. Bioavailability note: lipophilic terpenes and camphor are readily absorbed via mucous membranes and GI tract; polyphenol bioavailability is moderate and matrix-dependent, likely enhanced by the herb's use in infusions or teas which extract water-soluble phenolics efficiently.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages in humans are available. In vitro studies suggest extract concentrations of >2 µg/mL for various activities. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Costmary contains thujone and camphor-related monoterpenes, which can be neurotoxic in high doses, and internal consumption of concentrated extracts should be approached with caution. Because of its cholinesterase-inhibiting properties, it may theoretically potentiate the effects of pharmaceutical cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil or rivastigmine, increasing risk of cholinergic side effects like nausea, bradycardia, and excessive salivation. Costmary belongs to the Asteraceae family, meaning individuals with known allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or related plants may experience cross-reactive allergic responses including contact dermatitis. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal use of costmary, as its thujone content poses potential uterotonic and embryotoxic risks, consistent with traditional warnings against Tanacetum species during pregnancy.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials or meta-analyses have been conducted on Tanacetum balsamita. The evidence available is limited to in vitro studies, such as one found in PMC9824382, which highlights its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and enzyme inhibitory activities.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Traditionally, costmary has been used in Mediterranean, Balkan, and South American folk medicine for its carminative, cardiotonic, and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties. In European history, it was used as a diuretic, laxative, and for childbirth pain relief.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginkgo biloba, Rosemary, Sage, Lemon Balm, Gotu Kola

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is costmary used for medicinally?

Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine as a digestive tonic and aromatic herb. Modern laboratory research highlights its potential as an antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitor, with in vitro studies showing AChE inhibition of 2.11 mg GALAE/g and ABTS radical scavenging of 96.35 mgTE/g, though no human trials confirm these effects.

### Does costmary support brain or cognitive health?

Costmary leaf extracts inhibit both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) at 2.11 and 2.43 mg GALAE/g respectively in vitro, enzymes whose inhibition is the primary strategy in Alzheimer's drug therapy. These results are promising but are based solely on cell-free enzymatic assays; no human or animal cognitive studies have been conducted with costmary to date.

### What antioxidant compounds are found in costmary?

Costmary's antioxidant activity is attributed primarily to polyphenolic flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin, along with phenolic acids concentrated in the flower heads and leaves. In standardized DPPH assays, the flower head extracts registered 84.54 mgTE/g, and ABTS assays showed 96.35 mgTE/g, indicating strong free radical scavenging capacity relative to a Trolox equivalent standard.

### Is costmary safe to take as a supplement?

Costmary contains thujone and camphor-derived monoterpenes that are neurotoxic at high doses, making concentrated extracts or essential oils potentially hazardous. It may also interact with cholinergic medications like donepezil by additively suppressing cholinesterase activity. Culinary use of small amounts of the dried herb is generally considered low-risk, but medicinal supplementation lacks formal safety data from clinical trials.

### What is the difference between costmary flower and leaf in terms of benefits?

In vitro research indicates that costmary flower heads exhibit stronger antioxidant activity, with DPPH values of 84.54 mgTE/g and ABTS values of 96.35 mgTE/g, likely due to higher flavonoid concentration in the flowers. The leaves, by contrast, show more pronounced cholinesterase inhibitory activity, with AChE inhibition at 2.11 mg GALAE/g and BChE inhibition at 2.43 mg GALAE/g, suggesting different phytochemical profiles between plant parts.

### What is the difference between costmary root, leaf, and flower extracts in terms of health benefits?

Costmary flowers demonstrate the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH 84.54 mgTE/g, ABTS 96.35 mgTE/g), making them ideal for general oxidative stress support. Leaves contain significant acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory compounds (2.11 and 2.43 mg GALAE/g respectively), supporting cognitive function more effectively than other parts. Roots specialize in carbohydrate and fat metabolism through α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase inhibition, making them potentially useful for blood sugar and digestive support.

### Is costmary safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Costmary has traditionally been used as a culinary and medicinal herb, but there is limited clinical safety data specifically for pregnancy and breastfeeding populations. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with costmary, as some traditional uses have included uterine effects. While occasional culinary use is generally recognized as safe, concentrated supplemental doses during pregnancy warrant professional medical guidance.

### How does costmary compare to other herbal cognitive supports like ginkgo or sage in terms of research evidence?

Costmary leaf shows promising in vitro enzyme inhibition comparable to established herbal nootropics, with acetylcholinesterase inhibition at 2.11 mg GALAE/g, though clinical human trials are limited compared to ginkgo biloba's extensive research base. Unlike ginkgo and sage, which have multiple published human studies, costmary's cognitive benefits remain primarily demonstrated in laboratory settings rather than clinical populations. The ingredient represents an emerging alternative for those seeking traditional herbal cognitive support, but requires more human-level research to establish efficacy equivalent to established alternatives.

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