Thujone (Thu)

Thujone is a ketone and a monoterpene that occurs naturally in two diastereomeric forms: (−)-α-thujone and (+)-β-thujone. It has a menthol odor. Even though it is best known as a chemical compound in the spirit absinthe, recent studies reveal that absinthe contains only small quantities of thujone, and therefore it is unlikely that thujone is responsible for absinthe's alleged psychedelic effects. Thujone acts on GABA and 5-HT3 receptors in the brain. In many countries the amount of thujone allowed in food or drink products is regulated. Thujone, as a component of several essential oils, is also used in perfumery. Based on studies that looked only at molecular shape, for many years thujone was thought to act similarly to THC on the cannabinoid receptors, however this has since been proven false. Thujone is a GABAA receptor antagonist.