CAU

Artemisia absinthium

Artemisia absinthium (wormwood — thujone-containing)
Use with Caution V2 Verified Botanicals
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PubMed Studies
4
About

Absinthe wormwood containing thujone — a GABA-A receptor antagonist causing convulsions and neurotoxicity at higher doses. Distinct from A. annua (artemisinin source).

How it works (mechanism of action)

Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.

⚖️ Regulatory Status
⚠️
DE — Restricted
BfArM (2010) — thujone must not exceed 10mg/kg. High-thujone Artemisia absinthium supplements not permitted.
⚠️
EU — Restricted
EU Regulation 1334/2008 — thujone restricted: max 10mg/kg in food; 35mg/kg in herbal spirits. High-thujone wormwood supplements restricted.
⚠️
US — Restricted
FDA — wormwood (thujone-containing) not GRAS. Not permitted as food additive. Supplement use under scrutiny.
👥 Safety by Population
PopulationSafety RatingMax Safe Dose
GeneralPossibly unsafeNot established
PregnancyPossibly unsafeNot established
ElderlyPossibly unsafeNot established
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings

THUJONE TOXICITY: neurotoxic — seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, renal damage at excess doses. Absinthe liquor thujone limited by law. EU/FDA restrict thujone in food/beverages. Pregnancy: CONTRAINDICATED (abortifacient). Drug interactions: anticonvulsants (reduced seizure threshold). Use only EU-compliant preparations with thujone limits.

🏷️ Other Names
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood — thujone-containing)
References (1)
  1. European Commission. Regulation (EU) No 432/2012. Off J Eur Union. 2012;L 136:1-40.   Regulatory document   Source ↗

Evidence grades: SR = Systematic review / meta-analysis (highest) · RCT = Randomized controlled trial · Reg = Regulatory/official guidance

Updated: 2026-04-11
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