Historical QOD 12/23/08: Describe the mechanism of wormwood toxicity.
Toxicity from wormwood (Artemisia absinthum) is due to its thujone components (both alpha- and beta-thujone). Alpha-thujone has been shown to bind and inhibit GABAA receptors, leading to convulsions. (Skyles AJ. Sweet BV. Wormwood. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 61(3):239-42, 2004 Feb 1.)
Skyles AJ, Sweet BV. Alternative therapies. Wormwood. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2004 Feb 1;61(3):239-42. doi: 10.1093/ajhp/61.3.239. PMID: 14986553.
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