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Monographs of essential oils that have caused contact allergy / allergic contact dermatitis
Published in Anton C. de Groot, Monographs in Contact Allergy, 2021
Cedar leaf essential oil, made from the twigs with leaves of Thuja occidentalis L. by steam-distillation or hydrodistillation, has been used for perfumes, cleansers, disinfectants, hair preparations, room sprays, deodorants and soft soaps (2). It is also approved for use in food in the USA and the EU (5). It is still used in some mainstream over-the-counter preparations to relieve congestion in the upper respiratory tract, the best-known of which is Vicks VapoRub™. Thuja leaf oil is also added to pest repellant sprays and paints to protect against mites, moths, and rodents (4). The major constituent of the oil of T. occidentalis foliage, thujone, is used pharmacologically as active ingredient in the production of nasal decongestants and cough suppressants, perfumes, shoe polishes and soaps (1,2). Thuja oil is, however, considered too toxic (due to the high thujone content) for aromatherapy practices (6,7,8).
Artemisia Species
Published in Mahendra Rai, Shandesh Bhattarai, Chistiane M. Feitosa, Wild Plants, 2020
Suroowan Shanoo, Jugreet B. Sharmeen, Mahomoodally M. Fawzi
The Artemisia family is undeniably a large family, incorporating a plethora of medicinally valuable plant species. Based on their long term traditional use by the world’s population, its members can be considered as being generally safe for consumption. Nonetheless, the presence of thujone, a toxic metabolite, in certain species warrants that a safe and standard dose in humans is established for each species. Results from diverse laboratory and clinical investigations demonstrate that species from this genus hold promise as antimicrobial, antimalarial, and anticancer agents. Undeniably, the vast traditional and pharmacological actions associated with their members make them valuable candidates for fueling up the drug discovery pipeline.
Adverse Effects and Intoxication with Essential Oils
Published in K. Hüsnü Can Başer, Gerhard Buchbauer, Handbook of Essential Oils, 2020
Thujones are renowned as the possible psychoactive and toxic principles of absinthe (Olsen, 2000). Thujone is a common name for two naturally occurring monoterpene diastereomeric ketones, (−)-α-thujone and (+)-β-thujone, that can be found in essential oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), absinthe wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), eastern arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis L.), and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) in different quantities (Blagojevic et al., 2006). These plants are wild-growing and ornamental plant species with ethnopharmacological usages. Their essential oils are important components of numerous flavoring, perfumery, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. However, their potential toxic effects, in particular the known neurotoxicity of thujones, are the main reasons why some countries impose restriction upon their utilization.
The potential of Artemisia species for use as broad-spectrum agents in the management of metabolic syndrome: a review
Published in Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 2023
Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim, Nyasha Charity Mukonowenzou, Dawoud Usman, Kehinde Ahmad Adeshina, Kennedy Honey Erlwanger
The toxicity of Artemisia depends on the species, the dosage, and duration of intake (Wright 2001). The monoterpenoid thujone, found in Artemisia species, particularly A. absinthium has been reported to be neurotoxic (Lachenmeier 2010; Di Lorenzo et al.2018). Reports show that thujone intake above a range of 11–12.5 mg/kg/day in small mammals and above 15 mg/kg/day in humans trigger toxicity symptoms (National Toxicology Program 2011; Di Lorenzo et al.2018). Similarly, the lactone, santonin, common in several Artemisia species (e.g. A. absinthium and A. campestris) has also been reported to be toxic in children and adults at doses of 60 mg and 200 mg respectively (Khares 2007). Also, A. monospermia and A. herba-alba have been reported to cause reproductive problems such as abortion and female infertility in female rats (Akour et al.2016). Therefore, great caution should be exercised in their traditional application.
Valentin Magnan and Sergey Korsakov: French and Russian pioneers in the study of alcohol abuse
Published in Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 2018
An examination of Magnan’s published investigations suggests that his research was adequate by the standards of his time. He had shown that an alcohol-soluble component of wormwood did produce lapses of consciousness, myoclonic jerks, and tonic-clonic convulsions in animals. It is now impossible to determine whether that component, presumably thujone, was present at convulsant concentrations in some of the available absinthes of Magnan’s time (Eadie, 2009).
Essential oils from Artemisia species inhibit biofilm formation and the virulence of Escherichia coli EPEC 2348/69
Published in Biofouling, 2021
Ahmed Mathlouthi, Nabil Saadaoui, Mossadok Ben-Attia
A bright yellow essential oil with an intense woody smell was obtained by hydro-distillation of A. herba-alba accounting for 1.09% of its dry weight. Twenty-four compounds, representing 98.06% of the total oil were identified (Table 2). The main chemical components of this essential oil are α-thujone (29.39%), 1,8-cineole (14.79%), trans pinocarveol (9.91%), β-thujone (6.31%) and chrysanthenyl acetate (6.12%).