Bugleweed Extract
Also known as: Lycopus virginicus, Bugleweed, Gypsywort, Lycopus europaeus
Overview
Bugleweed extract is derived from plants of the genus Lycopus, primarily Lycopus europaeus and Lycopus virginicus. It is traditionally used in folk medicine for managing mild hyperthyroidism and related symptoms. The extract contains bioactive compounds that may influence thyroid hormone regulation and cardiovascular symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Research on bugleweed is limited but includes some clinical and in vitro studies suggesting potential anti-thyroid activity by inhibiting thyroid hormone production and altering peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism. The evidence base is still emerging, with few high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and no comprehensive meta-analyses available to date. It is typically consumed as an herbal supplement for endocrine support.
Benefits
Bugleweed extract has shown potential in reducing symptoms of mild hyperthyroidism, including elevated heart rate and thyroid hormone levels. A clinical cohort study reported significant improvement in hyperthyroid symptoms and increased urinary excretion of thyroxine (T4) after 3 months of treatment. Another case report documented normalization of thyroid function tests in a Graves’ disease patient after 9 months of bugleweed-containing formulation use, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive therapy. These benefits have been primarily observed in adults with mild hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease. Some evidence also suggests bugleweed may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though these effects are less studied and mainly derived from in vitro models or related species. While clinical studies report statistically significant improvements, effect sizes and confidence intervals are not consistently detailed due to small sample sizes and study designs. Benefits typically manifest over several weeks to months of consistent use.
How it works
Bugleweed extracts primarily exert their effects by inhibiting thyroid hormone production. In vitro studies indicate they block stimulation from thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Graves’ antibodies, which are key drivers of hyperthyroidism. Additionally, bugleweed may inhibit the enzymatic deiodination of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), thereby altering peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism and reducing the amount of the more active T3. It may also increase the urinary excretion of T4, potentially through renal effects, further contributing to reduced thyroid hormone levels. The bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and iridoids, are thought to contribute to these mechanisms, as well as potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Human absorption and bioavailability are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Bugleweed is generally well tolerated in clinical studies involving patients with mild hyperthyroidism. Few adverse events have been reported; one study noted subjective cardiac rhythm disturbances in one participant out of 62. There are no well-documented common or uncommon side effects, but a theoretical risk of thyroid enlargement exists if the supplement is stopped abruptly or taken in excessively high doses. No significant rare adverse effects have been reported. Bugleweed has potential interactions with thyroid medications, as it may interfere with thyroid function and could alter the effectiveness of prescribed drugs. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to potential antigonadotropic and antithyrotropic effects observed in animal studies, which could impact fetal development or infant health. Safety in children and pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established, and its use in these populations is not recommended.
Dosage
Clinical studies have utilized doses of approximately 40 mg/day of *Lycopus europaeus* extract, administered in divided doses over a period of 3 months. Traditional dosing recommendations range from 100 to 400 mg two to three times daily, although an optimal dosing regimen is not yet well defined. For liquid extracts, such as those from Herb Pharm, a typical serving might be around 664 mg (0.7 ml), usually taken 2-4 times daily between meals. There is no established maximum safe dose, and caution is advised due to limited comprehensive safety data. Specific absorption factors and required cofactors for optimal efficacy are not well studied in humans.
FAQs
Is bugleweed safe for thyroid conditions?
It appears safe and potentially beneficial for mild hyperthyroidism but should be used cautiously and under medical supervision, especially if you are taking other thyroid medications due to potential interactions.
Can bugleweed replace conventional anti-thyroid drugs?
Current evidence is insufficient to recommend bugleweed as a standalone treatment for hyperthyroidism. It may be considered as an adjunctive therapy, but always consult a healthcare professional.
How soon do effects appear?
Clinical improvements in symptoms and thyroid hormone levels have been reported within weeks to months of consistent use, with some studies showing effects after 3 to 9 months.
Is bugleweed safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No, bugleweed is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to potential hormonal effects observed in animal studies that could pose risks to the fetus or infant.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8090196/ – This case report details a 64-year-old woman with Graves’ hyperthyroidism whose thyroid function normalized over 9 months using a bugleweed-containing formulation. It suggests potential efficacy for bugleweed in managing hyperthyroidism, but as a single case, it lacks controls and generalizability.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/bugleweed.html – This source summarizes an open-label clinical study where 40 mg/day of Lycopus europaeus extract for 3 months improved cardiac symptoms and thyroid hormone profiles in mild hyperthyroid patients. Adverse events were minimal, though the study's open-label design and moderate sample size are limitations.
- https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/bugleweed/ – This monograph references a clinical cohort study where patients treated with Lycopus extracts showed increased urinary T4 excretion and symptom improvement. It suggests a clinically relevant effect but notes the absence of RCT methodology and detailed statistical reporting.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6460044/ – This source discusses potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of bugleweed, primarily from related species or in vitro models. It highlights the presence of polyphenols and iridoids as bioactive compounds that may contribute to these effects, though these are less studied than its thyroid-modulating properties.
