Bugleweed
1 food contains this ingredient
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About Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a mint-family herb traditionally used to calm overactive thyroid symptoms, added to some pet supplements rather than as a food nutrient.
Bugleweed (Lycopus spp.) is an herbal botanical occasionally found in supplements or functional pet products rather than as a nutrient source, traditionally used in folk medicine for mild calming effects or to influence thyroid-related symptoms and providing negligible protein, fat, or calories for dogs and cats. Because it can affect thyroid function, may interact with prescription medications, and lacks robust safety and efficacy data in companion animals, bugleweed should be used only under veterinary guidance and avoided in pregnant, nursing, or thyroid- or cardiac-medicated pets.
- Derived from
- Lycopus spp. (mint family) leaf and stem
- Primary role
- traditional thyroid-calming botanical
Why it's used
In herbal medicine, bugleweed's rosmarinic acid content is described as reducing TSH receptor binding and slowing the enzymatic conversion of thyroid hormone, which is why it appears in formulas aimed at hyperthyroid-type symptoms such as rapid heart rate or tremor. In pet products it shows up as a minor functional additive rather than a dietary ingredient.
Common concerns
- Thyroid interference Because bugleweed can blunt TSH signaling and thyroid hormone activity, herbal references caution against combining it with thyroid medications or using it in animals with underactive thyroid function.
- Pregnancy and nursing No published studies have tested bugleweed during pregnancy or lactation, so herbal monographs list it as a substance to avoid in those states.
- Limited animal-specific research Most dosing and tolerability data come from human herbal medicine sources rather than controlled studies in dogs or cats, leaving a gap in species-specific evidence.
Also relevant
Human herbal monographs report that Lycopus extracts have been generally well tolerated in short-term use, though this evidence does not come from dog or cat studies.
Common Questions
What category is Bugleweed?
Bugleweed is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Bugleweed part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Bugleweed in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Bugleweed?
1 food in the KibbleLab database contain Bugleweed, including Only Natural Pet.
Foods with Bugleweed
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
Find the right food for your pet
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