Bugleweed Benefits | Thyroid & Cardiovascular Health
Bugleweed (Lycopus spp.) is a perennial herb with many species. Lycopus europaeus is commonly found in Europe and Asia, and Lycopus americanus is native to North America. Bugleweed is traditionally used in western herbal medicine for hyperthyroidism symptoms and to support a healthy cardiovascular system.
Bugleweed Pharmacology
Botanical Name
Lycopus americanus, Lycopus europaeus & Lycopus virginicus
Other Common Names
Ajuga, Green Wolf's Foot, Gypsy Weed, Gypsywort, Water Horehound & Wolfstrapp.
Part Used
Herb
Main Therapeutic Compounds
Essential oils, luteolin, tannin, phenolic acids & flavonoids.
Herbal Actions
TSH Antagonist
Antithyroid
Cardiotonic
Mild sedative
Bugleweed Herbal Benefits
Hyperthyroid Symptoms | Anxiety, Palpitations & Tremor
Hyperthyroidism / Overactive Thyroid
Bugleweed is rich in the phenolic compounds rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, lithospermic and chlorogenic acids. These compounds may have an antithyroid effect and have been used historically to relieve hyperthyroid symptoms.
Recent research has suggested that Rosmarinic acid slows down the way thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates thyroid cells by stopping adenylate cyclase. Rosmarinic acid was shown to form loose bonds with TSH, making it less likely to activate thyroid receptors and produce thyroid hormones. As a result, Bugleweed may calm an overactive thyroid, and relieve the symptoms of Grave's disease and autoimmune thyroiditis.
One human clinical study examined Bugleweed (Lycopus europaeus) and its effects on the thyroid hormones tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in people with hyperthyroidism. The researchers concluded that the patients in the study who took Bugleweed for three months had reduced urinary T4 compared to the control group. The thyroid hormone reduction may have resulted from Bugleweed reducing the reabsorption of T4 via the kidneys.
In another clinical cohort study, groups of hyperthyroid patients who used Bugleweed extracts for various amounts of time were compared to a placebo group of hyperthyroid patients. The group who received Bugleweed (Lycopus europaeus) reported statistically significant improvement in hyperthyroid symptoms such as heart palpitations, tachycardia, tremor, and anxiety.
Bugleweed Typical Use
Dried Herb & Powder
100mg - 2g in powder, capsule or tablet form.
Tincture & Liquid Extract
Typical adult use of Bugleweed tincture or liquid extract is approximately 2-5mls daily in divided doses or as directed by your practitioner.
Herbal Combinations
Bugleweed combines well with Lemon Balm, Motherwort, Rehmannia & Reishi Mushroom
Cautions & Safety
Not recommended during pregnancy & breastfeeding.
Bugleweed is best avoided in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical medications, please consult your primary healthcare practitioner prior to use.
References
Goodman GA, Rall TW, Nies AS, Taylor P. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
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.
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.
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
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