Bugleweed
OTHER NAME(S): Archangle, Ashangee, Bugle Weed, Chanvre d'Eau, Green Wolf's Foot, Gypsy Weed, Gypsywort, Hoarhound, Lycope, Lycope d'Europe, Lycope de Virginie, Lycopi Herba, Lycopus Europea, Menta de Lobo, Patte-de-Loup, Paul's Betony, Sweet Bugle, Virginia Water Horehound, Water Bugle, Water Hoarhound, Water Horehound, Wolfstrapp, Lycopus americanus, Lycopus europaeus, Lycopus virginicus, Hierba de Lobo, Lycope d'Amérique
Overview
Bugleweed (Lycopus americanus) is a plant. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are sometimes used as medicine.
People use bugleweed for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Do not confuse bugleweed with white horehound, black horehound, or veronica. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Bugleweed overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bugleweed is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bugleweed is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy: It's likely unsafe to take bugleweed by mouth during pregnancy because it might affect hormones.
Breast-feeding: It's possibly unsafe to take bugleweed by mouth while breast-feeding. It might affect milk production.
Thyroid disorders: Don't use bugleweed if you have a thyroid disorder or are receiving thyroid treatments.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Thyroid hormone interacts with BugleweedTaking bugleweed might change the way that thyroid hormone pills work. Don't take bugleweed if you take thyroid pills.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of bugleweed might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Auf'mkolk M, Ingbar JC, Amir SM, et al. Inhibition by certain plant extracts of the binding and adenylate cyclase stimulatory effect of bovine thyrotropin in human thyroid membranes. Endocrinology. 1984 Aug;115:527-34.
- Vonhoff, C., Baumgartner, A., Hegger, M., Korte, B., Biller, A., and Winterhoff, H. Extract of Lycopus europaeus L. reduces cardiac signs of hyperthyroidism in rats. Life Sci 2-2-2006;78(10):1063-1070.
- Bucar, F. and Kartnig, T. Flavone Glucuronides of Lycopus virginicus. Planta Med 1995;61(4):378-380.
- Sourgens, H., Winterhoff, H., Gumbinger, H. G., and Kemper, F. H. Antihormonal effects of plant extracts. Planta Med 1982;45(6):78-86.
- Auf'mkolk, M., Ingbar, J. C., Kubota, K., Amir, S. M., and Ingbar, S. H. Extracts and auto-oxidized constituents of certain plants inhibit the receptor-binding and the biological activity of Graves' immunoglobulins. Endocrinology 1985;116(5):1687-1693.
- Auf'mkolk, M., Kohrle, J., Gumbinger, H., Winterhoff, H., and Hesch, R. D. Antihormonal effects of plant extracts: iodothyronine deiodinase of rat liver is inhibited by extracts and secondary metabolites of plants. Horm.Metab Res 1984;16(4):188-192.
- Revoltella S, Baraldo G, Waltenberger B, et al. Identification of the NADPH oxidase 4 inhibiting principle of Lycopus europaeus. Molecules. 2018;23(3). pii: E653.
- Beer AM, Wiebelitz KR, Schmidt-Gayk H. Lycopus europaeus (Gypsywort): effects on the thyroidal parameters and symptoms associated with thyroid function. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(1-2):16-22.