Bugleweed Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Bugleweed

Bugleweed

Also known as
  • Lycopus americanus
  • Archangle
  • Ashangee
  • Bugle Weed
  • Green Wolf's Foot
  • Gypsy Weed
  • Gypsywort
  • Hoarhound
  • Lycope
  • Lycope d'Europe
  • Lycopi Herba
  • Lycopus Europea
  • Paul's Betony
  • Sweet Bugle
  • Virginia Water Horehound
  • Water Bugle
  • Water Hoarhound
  • Water Horehound
  • Wolfstrapp
Bugleweed Lycopus americanus, commonly known as American bugleweed or water horehound, is a native herbaceous perennial plant found in North America. It features square stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of tiny white to pale pink flowers, often growing in wetland areas. This plant has a history of traditional medicinal use, with some preparations believed to have potential benefits in addressing conditions such as thyroid disorders and anxiety. Additionally, Lycopus americanus is known for its ecological role in wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and support for various wildlife.
There are 16 drugs known to interact with Bugleweed

Additional Details

Is Bugleweed Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Safety: Limited information is available about the safety of orally using bugleweed. It is considered likely unsafe during pregnancy and possibly unsafe during lactation due to its anti-gonadotropic and anti-thyrotropic activity.

Adverse Effects: Rare serious adverse effects include decreased thyroid function when taken orally.

How Is Bugleweed Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Mechanism of Action: Bugleweed's above-ground parts contain constituents like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, along with flavonoids, diterpenes, and lithospermic acid. It has various effects:

  • Dermatologic Effects: Traditionally used cosmetically, bugleweed's rosmarinic acid shows anti-aging effects by inhibiting NADPH oxidase 4.
  • Hormonal Effects: Lab research indicates anti-gonadotropic activity and lowered serum prolactin levels.
  • Hypoglycemic Effects: In lab studies, bugleweed exhibits hypoglycemic activity.
  • Thyroid Effects: Lab research suggests anti-thyrotropic activity, reducing thyroid hormones in animals. It inhibits peripheral deiodination of T4 and may affect thyroid antibodies.

Pharmacokinetics

Insufficient reliable information is available about the pharmacokinetics of bugleweed.

Interaction Overview

With Drugs: Moderate caution is advised when combining bugleweed with thyroid hormone medications.

With Supplements: Bugleweed may theoretically alter thyroid function when taken with other herbs having thyroid activity.

With Conditions: Caution is advised for individuals with thyroid disorders.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

General information is limited, but rare serious adverse effects include decreased thyroid function.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Insufficient reliable information is available about the standardization of bugleweed.

What Is Bugleweed Typically Used For?

Current Uses: Bugleweed has traditionally been used for bleeding and cardiac conditions. Some interest exists in using it for insomnia and premenstrual syndrome, but more evidence is needed to establish its effectiveness for these purposes.

Commercial Products That Contain Bugleweed

Below is a list of known supplements that contain bugleweed:

Please note that this may not be a complete list of all commercially available dietary supplements that contain bugleweed.

Drugs that interact with Bugleweed

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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