Thujone is a chemical compound found in various plants, including wormwood, which is used to make the alcoholic beverage absinthe. The word is spelled /ˈθuːdʒoʊn/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first syllable sounding like "thoo" and the second syllable like "jone". The "th" is pronounced with the tongue between the teeth, and the "j" is a voiced palatal approximant, similar to the "y" sound in "yes". The spelling reflects the Greek root word for "citron".
Thujone is a noun that refers to a potentially toxic chemical compound found in certain plants. It is a colorless, crystalline substance with a distinctive scent and bitter taste. Thujone is primarily found in plants from the genus Artemisia, particularly in species such as wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus).
The presence of thujone has been of interest due to its psychoactive properties. In high concentrations, thujone can act as a convulsant and neurotoxin, affecting the central nervous system. It is often associated with the consumption of absinthe, a highly alcoholic anise-flavored spirit, which historically contained high levels of thujone. However, modern absinthe commercially available now contains significantly lower amounts of thujone due to regulations.
Thujone's effects on the human body and its potential toxicity are still a subject of debate and research. While it has been suggested to have hallucinogenic properties, there is limited evidence to support this claim. In small quantities, such as those found in common herbs and foodstuffs, thujone is generally considered safe for consumption. However, it is advised to exercise caution when consuming concentrated forms of thujone or extracts made from plants with higher levels of the compound.
Overall, thujone is a chemical compound found in certain plants that has garnered attention due to its potential psychoactive and toxic properties, particularly in higher concentrations.
The word "thujone" is derived from the name of the plant genus Thujas, specifically the species Thujus occidentalis, commonly known as white cedar or eastern arborvitae. Thujone is a natural compound found in several plant species, including Thujas, and it is known for its aromatic and potentially psychoactive properties. The term "thujone" was likely coined to describe the chemical compound extracted from these plants.