Tannot root is a key component in chakan oil, which is used to power pulse weapons. In the Farscape episode "Thank God It's Friday. Again." the Moya crew visits the Peacekeeper-controlled planet Sykar, whose population is primarily devoted to harvesting Tannot root.

When ingested on its own, Tannot root induces a state of contentment, leaving individuals more susceptible to following instructions. This effect allowed the Sykaran population to be easily enslaved. However, some natives have a natural immunity to Tannot root. The effects can also be averted with the rare Sykaran worm.

In Hynerians, Tannot root reacts with the chemicals in their stomachs, resulting in explosive bodily fluids.