Bugleweed consists of the fresh or dried leaves and tops of Lycopus europaeus or L. virginicus. It contains flavonoids and hydrocinnamic and caffeic acid derivatives, including rosmaric acid, lithospermic acid, and their oligomerics, which are created through oxidation.

Bugleweed may have antithyrotropic activity specifically, it may inhibit peripheral deiodination of thyroxine (T4). Herb may also have hypoglycemic and antigonadotropic activity and may also decrease serum prolactin levels. Bugleweed is available as capsules, freshly pressed juice, powdered herb, tea, water ethanol extract, and other galenic preparations for internal use, in products such as Bugleweed Herb Vcaps.

Benefits And Uses of Bugleweed

Bugleweed is used for mild hyperthyroidism, nervousness, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, and breast pain. Tinctures and infusions were once used to decrease bleeding of menorrhagia and nosebleeds.

Administration

• Teas: 1 to 2 g by mouth every day.
• Waterethanol extracts: Equivalent of 20 mg of herb by mouth every day.

Side Effects of Bugleweed

Bugleweed may be associated with enlargement of the thyroid and increased prolactin secretion. Use of bugleweed with insulin or oral antidiabetics may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It may interfere with iodine’s metabolism, and may reduce the effectiveness of thyroid hormones, blocking peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). Bugleweed may produce additive effects if used with thyroid suppressing herbs such as balm leaf and wild thyme plant.

Those with hypothyroidism or thyroid enlargement without functional disturbance and those receiving other thyroid treatments should avoid use. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should also avoid use.

Clinical considerations

• Because every patient’s optimal level of thyroid hormone is different, the dosages provided are only rough estimates. Patient age and weight should be considered when determining dose.
• Bugleweed may interfere with blood glucose control and may cause hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose level if patient has hypoglycemia or diabetes.
• Bugleweed therapy shouldn’t be stopped abruptly because sudden with drawal can lead to increased prolactin secretion or exacerbation of the disorder being treated. Advise patient to discontinue bugleweed gradually unless a health care provider has directed otherwise.
• Bugleweed may interfere with diagnostic procedures using radioisotopes.
• Advise patient with hyperthyroidism to consult a health care provider for treatment. If patient is using other thyroid treatments, advise him not to use bugleweed.
• If patient is pregnant or breast-feeding or is planning pregnancy, advise her not to use bugleweed, unless a health care. provider who’s an expert in the appropnate use of this herb has directed otherwise.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

Several very preliminary studies suggest that bugleweed may be helpful for treating mild hyperthyroidism.

Tagged under:bugleweed Herbal Medicines hypoglycemia hypoglycemic hypothyroidism insomnia menorrhagia peripheral premenstrual syndrome prolactin levels thyroid enlargement thyroid hormone

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Filed under: Herbal Medicines