α-Thujone is a monoterpene isolated from Thuja occidentalis essential oil with potent anti-tumor activities. α-Thujone is a reversible modulator of the GABA type A receptor and the IC50 for α-Thujone is 21 μM in suppressing the GABA-induced currents. α-Thujone induces ROS accumulation-dependent cytotoxicity, also induces cell apoptosis and autophagy. α-Thujone has antinociceptive, insecticidal, and anthelmintic activity, and easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier[1][2][3].
[1]. Agus HH, et al. Involvement of Pca1 in ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death induced by alpha-thujone in the fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe). FEMS Yeast Res. 2020 Apr 29. pii: foaa022.
[2]. Pude?ek M, et al. Therapeutic potential of monoterpene α-thujone, the main compound of Thuja occidentalis L. essential oil, against malignant glioblastoma multiforme cells in vitro. Fitoterapia. 2019 Apr;134:172-181.
[3]. HÖld KM, et al. Alpha-thujone (the active component of absinthe): gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulation and metabolic detoxification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Apr 11;97(8):3826-31.