Convulsions absinthium

Specific antagonists for GABAa receptors include the alkaloid convulsants bicuculline (Fig. 30-25)699 and picrotoxin (Fig. 22-4) and the convulsant terpenoid compound thujone (Fig. 22-3), which is present in the wormwood plant Artemesia absinthium. Thujone is present in the liqueur absinthe, which was the national drink of France in the late 19th century but, because of its toxicity, has been illegal in most countries since -1915.719... 

Thujane monoterpenes are based on the bicyclic (G3 C5) monoterpene thujane and include umbellone (thujan-2-one) and the neuroactives a-thujone and 3-thujone (thujan-3-one isomers) that can cause convulsions. Thujones are GABA(A) receptor antagonists and are the active constituents in oil of wormwood from Artemisia absinthium (Asteraceae) used in the alcoholic drink absinthe that was eventually banned because of its deleterious neurotoxic effects. 

Spirit containing 68 vol% ethanol, flavoured with herbs from the Swiss Jura main flavouring wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). The most toxic component of the essential oil of wormwood is the terpenoid, thujone a convulsant in animals in large doses. Over indulgence delirium, hallucinations, brain damage. Banned in... 

Other monoterpenoid or arylpropenoid derivatives identi ed as the active components of traditional sedatives include methyleugenol (27) (Norte et al. 2005), isopulegol (31) (Silva et al. 2007), and a terpineol (32) (de Sousa et al. 2007). It is worth mentioning the monoterpene thujone (33), the dangerous principle of the ancient Absinthii herba, Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae), that induces marked central stimulatory effects, especially when used in the form of liqueur. Frequent and excessive use of this drug can cause intoxicated states accompanied by clonic convulsions among other serious consequences (Bielenberg 2007). 

The oil is reported to be nontoxic when applied externally." Due to its high thujone content, the oil is poisonous when ingested in large quantities, producing symptoms such as hypotension and convulsions and eventually death (see absinthium) (merck). 

---