Wormwood Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Wormwood Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Wormwood is generally safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, such as in vermouth and absinthe. Wormwood products that are thujone-free are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in foods in the US. However, products containing thujone might not be safe. It is crucial to note that wormwood should not be used as a treatment for COVID-19, as there is no reliable evidence to support its efficacy in this regard. Pregnant individuals should avoid oral use of wormwood in amounts greater than those found in foods, as it may contain thujone, which can be harmful during pregnancy.

How Does Wormwood Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Wormwood, an aromatic bush, contains essential oils, with thujone being the primary component responsible for its toxicity. Thujone is found in wormwood oil, and it can be harmful in high amounts. It can stimulate the central nervous system and potentially lead to seizures. Additionally, wormwood has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In studies, it has been shown to reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Wormwood's mechanism of action also includes potential hepatoprotective effects and influences on sleep patterns. However, it is essential to be cautious, as thujone can cause convulsant effects, making it potentially dangerous when consumed in excessive amounts.

Pharmacokinetics

Thujone, the neurotoxin in wormwood, is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, but the specific human isozyme responsible has not been identified yet.

Interaction Overview

Wormwood may interact with certain medications, such as anticonvulsants. There is a moderate risk of interference with the effects of anticonvulsant drugs when taken with wormwood. Additionally, wormwood contains thujone, which is a neurotoxin and may interact with thujone-containing herbs.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Common side effects of wormwood may include diffuse muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and, in more severe cases, acute kidney toxicity, rhabdomyolysis, and seizures.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Some wormwood products are prepared with the intent of minimizing thujone concentrations. The levels of thujone can differ depending on the method of preparation and the solvent used. For example, percolation with water produces no thujone, while distillation in alcohol produces the highest concentration of thujone. Clinical trials have investigated the effects of specific wormwood products, such as SedaCrohn and Seda-Leukin, which contain varying levels of absinthin and thujone.

What Is Wormwood Typically Used For?

Wormwood has been traditionally used for various purposes, including as an anthelmintic (to expel parasitic worms), antipyretic (to reduce fever), antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, diaphoretic (to induce sweating), and tonic. Topically, it has been used as a counterirritant. Additionally, some small clinical studies suggest that wormwood may modestly improve symptoms in patients with Crohn's disease. However, its effectiveness for many other uses, such as for depression, dyspepsia, gastritis, and insect bites, remains insufficiently supported by reliable evidence.

Wormwood Dietary Supplements and Thujone

Thujone, a toxic component of wormwood, can be removed during the preparation of dietary supplements to reduce the risk of toxicity. This is an important step to ensure the safety of consumers, as thujone is known to have adverse effects on the central nervous system.

Due to these concerns, it is essential for individuals considering wormwood dietary supplements to choose products that have been properly prepared and tested to ensure the removal or safe levels of thujone. 

Drugs that interact with Wormwood