Investigation of α and β - Thujone Content in Common Wormwood from Iran

Background: Artemisia absinthium L. (common wormwood) has been widely used in traditional medicine. The plant contains toxic components: α and β-thujone, therefore, it should be used with caution. Objective: Since common wormwood is considered to be a toxic plant, we decided to evaluate toxic compounds quantities in those used in Iranian folk market. Method: Five samples were purchased from Tehran markets. Essential oil of the flowers was obtained by water distillation. Essential oils were injected to gas chromatograph and their thujone content were determined according to the calibration curve. Results: The results showed that α-thujone is absent in all samples and β-thujone content in the essential oils is much less than its amount reported from other countries. Conclusion: Since the quantity of toxic compounds are low in the plant growing in Iran, it is proposed that Artemisia absinthium L. can be studied for its some medical uses