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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Wormwood is a botanical agent and non-standardized allergenic extract used in clinical diagnostics and traditional medicine. It is classified primarily as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC].
Name
Wormwood
Raw Name
WORMWOOD
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
29
Variant Count
60
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Wormwood
Wormwood is a botanical agent and non-standardized allergenic extract used in clinical diagnostics and traditional medicine. It is classified primarily as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC].
Detailed information about Wormwood
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Wormwood.
Historically, Wormwood has occupied a complex space in pharmacology. It is the primary flavoring agent in absinthe, a potent spirit that was banned in many countries in the early 20th century due to concerns over 'absinthism'—a syndrome characterized by seizures, hallucinations, and cognitive decline. Today, clinical pharmacologists view Wormwood through two primary lenses: as a diagnostic tool for identifying Type I hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and as a botanical compound containing potent phytochemicals like thujone, which have significant neuroactive properties. Your healthcare provider may utilize Wormwood extracts during skin prick testing (SPT) to determine if you have a clinical sensitivity to Artemisia pollens, which are common triggers for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
The mechanism of action for Wormwood depends entirely on its application. When used as an allergenic extract, Wormwood works by challenging the patient's immune system. Upon intradermal or epicutaneous exposure, the proteins within the extract bind to specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies located on the surface of mast cells and basophils. If the patient is sensitized, this binding triggers degranulation, releasing inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. This results in a localized 'wheal and flare' reaction, which clinicians use to confirm an allergy.
At a molecular level, the primary active constituent of the Wormwood plant is thujone (specifically alpha-thujone). Thujone acts as a potent antagonist of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) type A receptor. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). By blocking these receptors, thujone prevents the normal 'braking' action of the brain, leading to neuronal hyperexcitability. This explains both the traditional use of Wormwood as a stimulant and its high-dose toxicity, which can manifest as convulsions. Furthermore, Wormwood contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones, such as absinthin, which stimulate the gustatory (taste) receptors, leading to increased secretion of digestive enzymes and bile, which is why it has been historically used for gastrointestinal disorders.
Understanding the pharmacokinetics of Wormwood is challenging because it is a complex mixture of hundreds of compounds rather than a single molecular entity. However, data on its primary toxicological component, thujone, provides a clinical baseline.
Wormwood has several distinct clinical and traditional applications, though many are not FDA-approved for therapeutic use:
Wormwood is available in various preparations, depending on the intended use:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Wormwood is right for your specific condition. The use of non-standardized extracts must be performed under strict medical supervision due to the risk of anaphylaxis.
Dosage for Wormwood varies significantly based on the form and the clinical objective. There is no 'standard' dose for oral Wormwood due to the lack of FDA regulation for dietary supplements.
There are no established dosage adjustment guidelines for Wormwood in patients with kidney disease. However, because metabolites are excreted renally, patients with a GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) below 30 mL/min should exercise extreme caution, as thujone metabolites may accumulate, increasing the risk of neurotoxicity.
Since the Cytochrome P450 system metabolizes the active constituents of Wormwood, patients with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C) are at a significantly increased risk of toxicity. Oral use should be avoided in these populations.
Geriatric patients often have reduced renal and hepatic clearance. They are also more susceptible to the CNS-depressant or stimulant effects of thujone. Lower doses and shorter durations are advised if oral use is considered.
If you are undergoing allergy testing, the extract will be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinic equipped with emergency resuscitation equipment.
For oral herbal preparations (if recommended by a provider):
If you miss a dose of an oral Wormwood supplement, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up, as this significantly increases the risk of thujone-induced seizures.
Wormwood overdose is a medical emergency. Signs of thujone poisoning include:
Emergency Measures: If an overdose is suspected, call 911 or your local poison control center immediately. Treatment is supportive, often requiring intravenous benzodiazepines (like diazepam or lorazepam) to control seizures and gastric lavage if ingestion was recent.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or start Wormwood without medical guidance.
When used as an allergenic extract for skin testing, local reactions are the most common side effect. These occur in nearly all sensitized individuals and are the intended result of the test:
> Warning: Stop taking Wormwood and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Prolonged use of Wormwood (longer than 4 weeks) or use of high doses can lead to chronic thujone poisoning. Symptoms include:
While the FDA does not mandate a specific black box warning for the herb Wormwood (as it is often sold as a supplement), Allergenic Extracts (the clinical form of Wormwood) carry a general class warning:
Allergenic extracts can cause severe life-threatening systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Patients should be observed for at least 30 minutes following administration. Extracts should only be administered by clinicians trained in the management of emergencies and in facilities equipped with epinephrine and other resuscitative equipment.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
Wormwood is not a benign herbal product. Its primary constituent, thujone, is a known neurotoxin. Patients must be aware that 'natural' does not mean 'safe.' The use of Wormwood should be restricted to specific clinical indications under the guidance of a qualified professional.
As noted in the side effects section, all allergenic extracts of Wormwood carry a class-wide warning regarding Anaphylaxis. There are no specific black box warnings for the oral dietary supplement form, but this is due to a lack of FDA oversight rather than a guarantee of safety.
If you are receiving long-term immunotherapy involving Wormwood extracts or are using it under medical supervision for other reasons, the following may be required:
Wormwood can cause dizziness, tremors, and in some cases, hallucinations or seizures. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Wormwood affects you. If you experience any 'jitteriness' or muscle twitches, stop use immediately and avoid tasks requiring coordination.
Alcohol should be strictly avoided when taking Wormwood. Alcohol can potentiate the neurotoxic effects of thujone and may increase the risk of seizures. Historically, the combination of high-proof alcohol and Wormwood in absinthe was responsible for severe neurological damage.
For most patients, Wormwood does not require a tapering period. However, if you have been using it for several weeks, sudden discontinuation may cause a 'rebound' effect of mild anxiety or restlessness. Always consult your provider before stopping a prescribed clinical extract.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Wormwood.
For each major interaction, the mechanism is usually either pharmacodynamic (opposing effects at the GABA receptor) or pharmacokinetic (competition for CYP450 enzymes). The clinical consequence is almost always an increased risk of toxicity or a failure of the co-administered medication.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Wormwood must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:
Patients allergic to the following are likely to be cross-sensitive to Wormwood:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing or using Wormwood extracts.
Wormwood is classified as Contraindicated during pregnancy. Historical data and animal studies indicate that Wormwood contains constituents that act as uterine stimulants. Ingestion of Wormwood tea or oil during any trimester carries a high risk of pregnancy loss. Furthermore, the neurotoxic effects of thujone can cross the placenta and potentially harm fetal brain development. There is no safe dose of Wormwood during pregnancy.
It is unknown if thujone or other Wormwood metabolites pass into human breast milk in significant quantities. However, due to the potential for neurotoxicity in the infant (who has an immature blood-brain barrier), Wormwood use is not recommended for nursing mothers. If use is medically necessary, breastfeeding should be discontinued during the treatment period.
In clinical allergy practice, Wormwood allergenic extracts are used in children for diagnostic purposes. However, oral herbal use in children is highly discouraged. Pediatric patients are more susceptible to the convulsive effects of thujone. There are no FDA-approved oral indications for Wormwood in children, and safety/efficacy data are entirely lacking for this population.
Elderly patients are at an increased risk of adverse effects from Wormwood due to age-related declines in liver and kidney function. There is also a higher prevalence of polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) in the elderly, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions. Geriatric patients undergoing allergy testing should be monitored closely for cardiovascular stress during the procedure.
Patients with impaired renal function should avoid oral Wormwood. While the allergenic extract used in skin testing is likely safe (as systemic absorption is minimal), any systemic use could lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites. In cases of rhabdomyolysis-induced renal failure from overdose, aggressive hydration and potentially hemodialysis are required.
Wormwood should be used with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis. The liver's reduced capacity to metabolize thujone via the CYP450 system significantly increases the half-life of the toxin, making even 'standard' doses potentially dangerous.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and often require alternative treatments that carry lower risk profiles.
Wormwood's pharmacology is dual-natured. As an Allergenic Extract, its mechanism is immunological. It acts as an antigen that cross-links IgE antibodies on mast cells, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators (histamine, etc.) in sensitized individuals.
As a Pharmacological Agent, its primary action is mediated by alpha-thujone. Thujone is a non-competitive antagonist at the GABA-A receptor chloride channel. By binding to the picrotoxin site on the receptor, it prevents GABA from opening the channel, thereby inhibiting the flow of chloride ions into the neuron. This results in a more positive resting membrane potential, making the neuron more likely to fire an action potential. This 'disinhibition' of the CNS leads to the stimulant and, at higher doses, convulsive effects of the drug.
The dose-response relationship of Wormwood is steep. Low doses may provide a sense of alertness or improved digestion. However, as the dose increases, the transition from stimulation to neurotoxicity (tremors and seizures) can occur rapidly. The onset of action for oral preparations is roughly 30–60 minutes, with effects lasting several hours. Tolerance to the neurotoxic effects does not appear to develop; in fact, cumulative toxicity is more common.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | ~30-40% (Oral thujone) |
| Protein Binding | Unknown (Estimated moderate) |
| Half-life | 2 - 15 hours (Thujone) |
| Tmax | 1 - 2 hours |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP2A6, CYP3A4) |
| Excretion | Renal (>90% as metabolites) |
Wormwood belongs to the therapeutic class of Allergenic Extracts for diagnostic use. In a botanical context, it is a Bitter Stomachic and a Neurotoxic Monoterpene. It is related to other Artemisia species, such as Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood), which is the source of the antimalarial drug artemisinin, though their pharmacological profiles differ significantly.
Medications containing this ingredient
Common questions about Wormwood
In modern clinical medicine, Wormwood is primarily used as a non-standardized allergenic extract to diagnose allergies to weed pollens through skin prick testing. Historically and in traditional herbal medicine, it has been used to treat intestinal parasites, stimulate appetite, and improve digestion. It was also the key ingredient in the alcoholic drink absinthe, though this use was largely banned due to toxicity. Some people use it today in supplement form for gastrointestinal complaints, though these uses are not FDA-approved. Always consult a healthcare provider before using it for any medical purpose.
The most common side effects depend on how it is used. During allergy testing, the most frequent side effects are local itching, redness, and a raised bump (wheal) at the site of the skin test. When taken orally, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and a bitter aftertaste. In higher doses, it can cause more serious neurological symptoms like tremors or dizziness. Because it can be toxic, any side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately.
No, you should strictly avoid alcohol while taking Wormwood or any product containing thujone. Alcohol can significantly increase the neurotoxic effects of Wormwood, potentially leading to a higher risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage. This combination was historically linked to 'absinthism,' a severe syndrome involving hallucinations and cognitive decline. Combining the two substances makes it much harder for your liver to process the toxins. Always prioritize your safety by keeping these substances separate.
Wormwood is considered unsafe and is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. It contains compounds that can act as uterine stimulants, which may lead to contractions, vaginal bleeding, and miscarriage. There is also a significant risk of thujone-induced neurotoxicity affecting the developing fetus. Because of these abortifacient properties, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid all forms of Wormwood. Always discuss herbal supplements with an obstetrician before use.
For allergy diagnostic testing, the results are visible very quickly, typically within 15 to 20 minutes after the skin prick is performed. If used orally for digestive stimulation, the bitter effects on the tongue trigger digestive secretions almost immediately, though systemic absorption takes 1 to 2 hours. For its historical use in treating parasites, it may take several days of consistent use to see an effect. However, due to toxicity risks, long-term use is generally discouraged. Your doctor will provide a specific timeline based on your treatment goals.
In most cases, Wormwood does not cause physical dependence, so it can be stopped suddenly without traditional withdrawal symptoms. However, if you have been using it for an extended period, you should consult your healthcare provider to ensure your underlying symptoms do not return. If you are undergoing a series of allergy immunotherapy injections, stopping suddenly can disrupt your desensitization process. Always follow the specific discontinuation plan provided by your allergist or herbalist. Sudden stopping is generally safer than continuing a toxic dose.
If you miss a dose of an oral Wormwood supplement, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular routine. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of thujone poisoning and seizures. If you miss an appointment for an allergy injection, contact your allergist immediately to reschedule. Consistency is key for immunotherapy, but safety is the priority.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Wormwood causes weight gain. In fact, because it is a 'bitter' that stimulates digestion and is sometimes used to treat a lack of appetite, it is more often associated with weight maintenance or slight weight gain in those who are underweight. However, it does not have metabolic effects that would lead to fat accumulation. If you experience unexpected weight changes while taking Wormwood, you should discuss this with your doctor. It is not a weight-loss or weight-gain drug.
Wormwood has several dangerous interactions with other medications, particularly those used for seizures. It can counteract the effects of anticonvulsants like phenytoin or valproic acid, leading to dangerous breakthrough seizures. It also interacts with medications that affect the GABA system, such as benzodiazepines. If you are undergoing allergy testing, antihistamines must be avoided as they will interfere with the test results. Always provide your healthcare provider with a full list of your current medications before starting Wormwood.
Wormwood is a natural botanical substance, so it is not 'patented' in the way synthetic drugs are. It is available from many different manufacturers as a dietary supplement, tincture, or dried herb. In the clinical setting, allergenic extracts are produced by various biological laboratories, but they are referred to by their common name rather than a brand name. Because these products are non-standardized, the potency can vary significantly between different 'generic' brands. It is best to use a consistent source recommended by a professional.