Lycopus (bugleweed, gypsywort, Virginia bugleweed, water horehound, wolfstrappkraut)
Classes: Metabolic & Endocrine, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Bugleweed, gypsywort (lycopus)
0.2-2 g/day whole herb PO
Commerically available preparation: 2 tablet (40 mg) PO qd
Suggested uses of Bugleweed, gypsywort (lycopus)
Hyperthyroidism, PMS, breast pain, nervousness, insomnia; and bleeding, especially nosebleeds and heavy bleeding during menses
Efficacy
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness
Bugleweed, gypsywort (lycopus) adverse (side) effects
None in regular doses
Warnings
Contraindications
Pregnancy, lactation
Hypothyroidism
Cautions
May cause hypoglycemia
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid
Lactation: avoid
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Bugleweed, gypsywort (lycopus)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Contains organic acids, eg, lithospermic acid that decrease levels of several hormones, particularly TSH & thyroxine (T4)
Also inhibits binding of antibodies to thyroid that cause Graves disease
