Thujone

Thujone is a ketone and a monoterpene that occurs naturally in two diastereomeric forms: (−)-α-thujone and (+)-β-thujone. It has a menthol odor. Even though it is best known as a chemical compound in the spirit absinthe, recent tests show absinthe contains only small quantities of thujone, and it may or may not be responsible for absinthe's reported psychedelic effects. Thujone acts on GABA and 5-HT₃ receptors in the brain. In many countries the amount of thujone allowed in food or drink products is regulated.