Thuja occidentalis.  Thuja, Yellow cedar, Tree of life, Arbor-vitae   Family: Coniferae    
PART USED: Young twigs
TASTE- Bitter ODOR: Strongly camphoraceous, Juniper-like
ACTIONS
GROUP: Alteratives and Antineoplastics.
1. Antitoxic.[1,2]Anti-carcinomatous agent.[1]
2. Astringent.[1,2]
3. Expectorant.[1,2,3]
4. Emmenagogue.[2,3]
5. Genito-urinary antiseptic. Diuretic.[1,2]
6. Nerve stimulant.[1,3]
7. Stimulates uterus and Heart muscles.[1,2]
8. Counter irritant.[1]
9. Anthelmintic.[2,3]
Locally- irritant. Externally as a tincture- antifungal and antiviral activity.[4]
INDICATIONS
1. Amenorrhea- using infusion.[1,2,3] Uterine carcinoma.[1,2] Uterine ligament flaccidity.
2. Warts especially anal or genital - oral and topical use.[1,2]
3. Enuresis.[1,2] Incontinence. Cystitis- using infusion.[1,2,3] Gonorrhea. Chronic or sub-acute prostatic disorders. Spermatorrhea.
4. Bronchial catarrh- using infusion.[1,2,3] Bronchitis with cardiac weakness.[1,2]  Laryngitis. Sinusitis.
5. Psoriasis.[1,2] Ulcers.  Carbuncles.
6. Hemorrhoids. Rectal fissures or fistulae
7. Muscular aches and pains. Rheumatism.[1,2] Gout - locally also.
8. Counteracts ill-effects of smallpox vaccination.[1]
9. Carcinomatous conditions.[1,2]
Topically- Warts.
Lotion- With Hamamelis water for exudative eczema.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:  Observe dosage strictly, as Thuja is toxic in large doses and should be taken internally only occasionally.[3] Contra-indicated during pregnancy- can cause uterine contractions.[1,2,3]
COMBINATIONS
- Pulmonary disease, use with Grindelia, Senega, or Lobelia.
PREPARATIONS:  3X /day
Dried herb  1-2 g,[1,2] or by infusion[1]/decoction.
Fluid extract 1:1 in 50% alcohol  2 ml.[1] 2-4 ml.[3]
Tincture 1:10 in 60% alcohol  1-2 ml.[1]
    
ORIGIN: Europe. Northeastern North America, cultivated elsewhere.
DESCRIPTION: Tree, coniferous pyramidal with flattened branches. The twigs in one plane, bearing small scale-like leaves. Flattened, green twigs, bearing paired, decussate scale-like leaves about 3 mm long, closely imbricated and appressed.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Research
An extract has been found to stimulate phagocytosis by erythrocytes of Kupfer cells in isolated rat liver.[1]
References
[1] Von Rudloff (1961) Can. J. Chem. 39, 1200

A preliminary study on antimetastatic activity of Thuja occidentalis L. in mice model.
Sunila ES, Kuttan G.
Abstract
The effect of Thuja occidentalis extract on the inhibition of lung metastasis induced by B16F-10 melanoma cells was studied in C57BL/6 mice. The extract was administered by three different modalities. A remarkable reduction in tumor-nodule formation was shown by simultaneous (74.4%) and prophylactic (71.5%) mode of administration. The effect was comparatively low in drug administration after tumor development (60.2%). Increased lung collagen hydroxyproline (21.13 microg/mg protein) in the metastasized lungs of control animals compared with normal animals (0.98 microg/mg protein) was significantly reduced in Thuja-treated animals. The elevated level of uronic acid (349.5 microg/100 mg tissue) and hexosamine contents in metastatic control animals was significantly reduced in the animals treated with alcoholic extract of Thuja. Similarly the elevated levels of serum sialic acid and serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activity in the untreated control animals was significantly reduced in the animals treated with the extract of Thuja. The lifespan of the Thuja treated animals also was seen to be significantly increased.
PMID: 16873095 DOI: 10.1080/08923970600809017  Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2006;28(2):269-80. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Successful treatment of verruca vulgaris with Thuja occidentalis in a renal allograft recipient
R. Joseph, S. A. Pulimood, P. Abraham, and G. T. John
Abstract
Human papillomavirus-driven verruca vulgaris infection is common in solid organ transplant recipients and increases the risk for squamous cell carcinoma. The available treatment modalities have limited response. We report a renal allograft recipient who presented with multiple warts not responding to cryotherapy and radiosurgery with one turning malignant, needing amputation of the finger. An extract from Thuja occidentalis (White cedar tree) cured the resistant warts on the other fingers, leaving only superficial scars and without affecting allograft function. We have reviewed the pharmacological and clinical properties of T. occidentalis.
Indian J Nephrol. 2013 Sep-Oct; 23(5): 362–364. doi: 10.4103/0971-4065.116316
PMCID: PMC3764712 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Thuja occidentalis L. and its active compound, a-thujone: Promising effects in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome without inducing osteoporosis.
Küpeli Akkol E, Ilhan M, Ayse Demirel M, Keles H, Tümen I, Süntar I.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Thuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae) has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, amenorrhea, cystitis, and uterine carcinomas, and as an abortifacient and contraceptive.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
The present study aimed to determine whether T. occidentalis oil and a-thujone could be beneficial in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
T. occidentalis oil and a-thujone were administered to rats with letrozole-induced PCOS for 21 days. At the end of 21 days, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture. The levels of serum gonadotropins, steroids, blood lipid, leptin, and glucose and the values of antioxidant parameters were measured.
RESULTS:
The results demonstrated that estradiol and progesterone levels significantly increased, while luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels decreased in the T. occidentalis- and a-thujone-administered groups. The plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin, and glucose concentrations were also significantly decreased in the T. occidentalis and a-thujone groups when compared to the control group. Histopathological findings demonstrated that the T. occidentalis and a-thujone groups displayed good healing. According to the phytochemical analyses, 25 compounds were identified in the T. occidentalis oil. The main constituents of the oil were the monoterpene ketones a- and ß-thujone, fenchone, and sabinene, as well as the diterpenes beyerene and rimuene.
CONCLUSION:
T. occidentalis essential oil and its active component, a-thujone, can be used for the treatment of PCOS without inducing osteoporosis.
PMID: 25818694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.029  
J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Jun 20;168:25-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.029. Epub 2015 Mar 27. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Thujone-Rich Fraction of Thuja occidentalis Demonstrates Major Anti-Cancer Potentials: Evidences from In Vitro Studies on A375 Cells
Raktim Biswas, Sushil Kumar Mandal, Suman Dutta, Soumya Sundar Bhattacharyya, Naoual Boujedaini, and Anisur Rahman Khuda-Bukhsh,*
Abstract
Crude ethanolic extract of Thuja occidentalis (Fam: Cupressaceae) is used as homeopathic mother tincture (TOF) to treat various ailments, particularly moles and tumors, and also used in various other systems of traditional medicine. Anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties of TOF and the thujone-rich fraction (TRF) separated from it have been evaluated for their possible anti-cancer potentials in the malignant melanoma cell line A375. On initial trial by S-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, both TOF and TRF showed maximum cytotoxic effect on A375 cell line while the other three principal fractions separated by chromatography had negligible or no such effect, because of which only TRF was further characterized and subjected to certain other assays for determining its precise anti-proliferative and apoptotic potentials. TRF was reported to have a molecular formula of C10H16O with a molecular weight of 152. Exposure of TRF of Thuja occidentalis to A375 cells in vitro showed more cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects as compared with TOF, but had minimal growth inhibitory responses when exposed to normal cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cell). Furthermore, both TOF and TRF also caused a significant decrease in cell viability, induced inter-nucleosomal DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial transmembrane potential collapse, increase in ROS generation, and release of cytochrome c and caspase-3 activation, all of which are closely related to the induction of apoptosis in A375 cells. Thus, TRF showed and matched all the anti-cancer responses of TOF and could be the main bio-active fraction. The use of TOF in traditional medicines against tumors has, therefore, a scientific basis.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 568148.
Published online 2011 Feb 20. doi: 10.1093/ecam/neq042   PMCID: PMC3106972 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antioxidant potential of thuja (Thuja occidentalis) cones and peach (Prunus persia) seeds in raw chicken ground meat during refrigerated (4?±?1 °C) storage.
Yogesh K, Ali J.
Abstract
The antioxidant activity of thuja (Thuja occidentalis) cones extract (TCE) and peach (Prunus armeniaca) seeds extract (PSE) were estimated by DPPH free radical scavenging activity method. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and reducing power were also estimated in these extracts. Antioxidant potential of these by products was also evaluated in raw chicken ground meat (GM) during refrigerated (4?±?1 °C) storage. Total phenolics in TCE and PSE were 7.80?±?0.04 and 1.92?±?0.04 mg TAE/gdw respectively. Both extract also showed remarkable DPPH radical scavenging activity (25.52?±?1.92% and 24.99?±?0.32%). The reducing powerOD700 was observed more in TCE as compared to PSE (3.32?±?0.01 and 0.49?±?0.01). Total flavonoids contents were 7.48?±?0.02 and 0.85?±?0.01 mg CE/gdw respectively. Addition of these extract significantly (P?<?0.01) affected cooking losses and WHC of GM. During refrigerated storage (4 °C) the TBARS values at 8 d were significantly (P?<?0.01) more in control than TCE and PSE treated groups.
PMID: 25114346 PMCID: PMC4108658 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-012-0672-5  J Food Sci Technol. 2014 Aug;51(8):1547-53. doi: 10.1007/s13197-012-0672-5. Epub 2012 Mar 6.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Protective effect of Thuja occidentalis against radiation-induced toxicity in mice.
Sunila ES, Kuttan G.
Abstract
The effect of Thuja occidentalis against damage induced by gamma radiation was studied. Whole-body exposure of Swiss albino mice to gamma-rays (6 Gy) reduced the total white blood cell count to 1900 cells/mm(3) on the third day, which was elevated to 2050 cells/mm(3) by the administration of alcoholic extract ofT occidentalis (5 mg/dose/animal, intraperitoneally). Six animals from each group were killed after 2, 7, and 11 days of irradiation to detect the bone marrow cellularity and radiation-induced toxicity. The number of bone marrow cells and alpha-esterase positive cells in control animals after 11 days was reduced to 12.2 x 10(6) cells/femur and 693.5/4000 cells, respectively. In T occidentalis-treated animals, bone marrow cellularity was increased to 16.9 x 10(6) cells/femur and alpha-esterase positive cells were 940/4000 cells, a nearly normal level. Alcoholic extract of T occidentalis reduced the elevated levels of GPT and alkaline phosphatase in liver and serum after irradiation. The lipid peroxidation levels were also lowered in the irradiated animals treated with the Thuja extract.
PMID: 16282509 DOI: 10.1177/1534735405282251  Integr Cancer Ther. 2005 Dec;4(4):322-8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Thuja occidentalis and its polysaccharide on cell-mediated immune responses and cytokine levels of metastatic tumor-bearing animals.
Sunila ES, Hamsa TP, Kuttan G.
Abstract
CONTEXT:
Tumor microenvironment induces an active immune tolerance and escapes immune surveillance. In order to achieve an effective antitumor immune response, appropriately activated immune cells should maintain their antitumor activity to overcome the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment.
OBJECTIVES:
This study focuses on the effect of Thuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae) extract and its polysaccharide (TPS) on cell-mediated immune response (CMI) in metastasis bearing mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Metastasis was induced by injecting B16F-10 melanoma cells in mice through the tail vein and effector mechanisms of CMI was studied by analyzing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity, natural killer (NK) cell activity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent complement-mediated cytotoxicity (ACC). The effect of T. occidentalis and TPS on pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP) levels were also analyzed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
Administration of T. occidentalis and TPS enhanced the NK cell activity, ADCC and ACC much earlier than the control tumor-bearing animals. T. occidentalis and TPS were also found to decrease the elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, GM-CSF and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a in the serum of metastatic tumor-bearing animals. The level of antitumor factors such as IL-2 and TIMP was elevated by the treatment with T. occidentalis and TPS in the serum, which was lowered in the untreated tumor-bearing animals.
CONCLUSION:
This study clearly suggests that T. occidentalis and TPS effectively stimulate cell-mediated immune system and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby inhibiting metastasis of tumor cells.
PMID: 21591821 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2011.565351  Pharm Biol. 2011 Oct;49(10):1065-73. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2011.565351. Epub 2011 May 18. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov