Compound Profile

Thujone

Thujone is a monoterpene ketone best known for neuroactive and toxicity relevant pharmacology in sage and wormwood related discussions.

Last reviewed: Report a correctionProfile-wide ·C Limited

Use extra caution — Neuroactive monoterpene; high exposure may increase seizure/neurotoxicity risk. Details

Evidence
Limited evidence
Typical onset
Varies by prep
Safety rating
Use extra caution: Use caution
Best for
GABA A Receptors
Avoid / review if
Pregnancy
Next steps

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Thujone monograph visual
Generated profile category visual

Safety

Safety & Cautions

Neuroactive monoterpene; high exposure may increase seizure/neurotoxicity risk. Avoid pregnancy, seizure disorders, and concentrated essential oil ingestion.

High caution

Caution level: High. Multiple caution categories apply, or the record uses avoid/contraindication language.

Evidence Summary

Profile-wide ·C Limited

Evidence lens

Read as directional context, not settled clinical proof.

LimitedLimited evidence

Human clinical evidence: Not the primary signal

Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Neurotransmitter Modulation · Sensory Signaling Modulation · Neuroprotective Activity

Research maturity: Theoretical / mechanistic research — Mechanistic or unresolved evidence is kept separate from established human outcomes.

Safety boundary: Safety note available — Neuroactive monoterpene; high exposure may increase seizure/neurotoxicity risk.

Evidence Strength

Confidence estimate based on the design quality and consistency of published clinical trials.

Limited evidence

Thujone has a limited evidence rating.

AdaptogenStress & Mood
Effects
1
How evidence grades work

Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.

Strong
Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
Moderate
Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
Preliminary / Mixed
Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
Traditional / Theoretical
Traditional use only; no controlled human trials

How Thujone Works

Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.

Mechanism Pathway — How Thujone Works

How Thujone WorksThujone acts on biological target pathways via neurotransmitter (modulation), leading to gaba a receptors.ThujoneBiological TargetBiological pathwayNeurotransmitterModulationGaba A ReceptorsObservable outcomeHPA AxisModulation
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome

Dosing

No standardized dose
standardized extract or essential oil free preparation when oral use is intended
Mechanisms & biological pathways

Preclinical mechanism details from scientific profiles; these represent plausible pathways but do not guarantee clinical efficacy in humans.

  • Neurotransmitter Modulation
  • Sensory Signaling Modulation
  • Neuroprotective Activity
  • Stress Response Modulation
  • GABA Receptor Modulation
  • Neuronal Excitability Modulation

Compare & Sourcing

Compare side-by-side tradeoffs or verify active marker guidelines.

Safety first · Harm reduction

This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.

By Willie B. Randolph III

Founder & Head Researcher · Oak Ridge, TN · Last reviewed August 2026

Editorial Review

Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.

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