Thujone isn't quite a medical substance itself, but a natural compound found in some plants commonly used in foods, beverages, and even some herbal medicines. Here's a breakdown of thujone:
Source and Occurrence:
- Thujone is present in various plants, most notably wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and sage (Salvia officinalis).
- Wormwood is a key ingredient in absinthe, a traditionally high-alcohol content liquor.
Effects and Safety:
- Thujone has psychoactive properties and can cause hallucinations and seizures at high doses.
- The exact effects on humans are still under research, but regulations exist to limit thujone content in absinthe in some regions.
- In smaller amounts, found in sage tea for instance, thujone is generally considered safe for consumption.
Medical Uses (Limited):
- Thujone itself isn't widely used medicinally, but the herbs containing it (sage) may have some potential health benefits.
- Sage is sometimes used in lozenges or teas for sore throat relief.