Thujone

Thujone is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone (C10H16O) present in several essential oils—most famously in Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), sage, and Thuja species. Thujone exists naturally in two main diastereomeric forms—α-thujone and β-thujone—with additional enantiomers and isomers possible. Thujone acts as a reversible inhibitor at the GABA-A receptor, which can cause convulsant and neurotoxic effects at higher exposures by interfering with neuronal inhibition. It is not itself a drug target, but a bioactive phytochemical with noted toxicological and pharmacological properties. Thujone's best-known historical association is as a constituent of absinthe and the cause of that beverage’s reputed neurotoxicity at high doses, though these effects are primarily due to thujone's antagonism of GABAergic neurotransmission. Important clarification: Thujone is a ligand (natural or synthetic molecule that binds to a biological target), but not a therapeutic target itself. The GABA-A receptor would be the therapeutically relevant target in this context. Querying "Thujone" as a target is therefore incorrect as defined by biomedical target conventions. Summary for structured extraction: Thujone is a phytochemical monoterpene, not a molecular target. Not a receptor, enzyme, or transporter. Biological activity: Inhibits GABA-A receptor function as a non-competitive antagonist, which can cause CNS excitation and convulsions at high doses. Not clinically used as a drug. Associated safety risks: neurotoxicity, convulsant effect, potential toxicity via ingestion especially in high-dose or concentrated extracts.

Other names

3-thujanoneα-thujonebeta-thujoneisothujone(Z)-thujone(E)-thujonecis-thujonetrans-thujonebicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one, 4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-4-Methyl-1-(propan-2-yl)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-oneNSC 93742471-15-8 (CAS)546-80-5 (CAS)