# Pulegone (5-methyl-2-(1-methylethylidene)cyclohexanone) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pulegone-cyclohexanone **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethylidene)cyclohexanone, pennyroyal oil ketone, mentha pulegium ketone, pulegon, monoterpenoid ketone C₁₀H₁₆O ## Overview Pulegone is a monoterpene compound found in pennyroyal and other mint plants that exhibits significant hepatotoxicity in humans. This bioactive compound lacks established therapeutic benefits and poses serious safety concerns due to its liver-damaging metabolites. ## Health Benefits • No therapeutic health benefits established - the research dossier contains no human clinical trials demonstrating efficacy • Insecticidal properties noted in plant extracts (traditional use evidence only) • Flavoring agent applications documented (regulatory evaluation only) • Hepatotoxic effects identified in animal models through [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to menthofuran • Rapid metabolism in human hepatic microsomes observed (toxicology data only) ## Mechanism of Action Pulegone undergoes hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A2 and CYP2E1, producing reactive metabolites including menthofuran and pulegone epoxide. These metabolites deplete hepatic [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) stores and form protein adducts, leading to [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and hepatocellular damage. The compound also demonstrates insecticidal activity through disruption of insect nervous system function. ## Clinical Summary No human clinical trials have established therapeutic benefits for pulegone supplementation. Case reports document severe hepatotoxicity following pennyroyal oil ingestion, with doses as low as 10mL causing liver failure in adults. Animal studies demonstrate dose-dependent hepatic necrosis, with LD50 values ranging from 150-470 mg/kg in rodents. The limited research focuses primarily on toxicological rather than therapeutic outcomes. ## Nutritional Profile Pulegone (5-methyl-2-(1-methylethylidene)cyclohexanone) is a pure monoterpenoid ketone compound (C10H16O, molecular weight 152.23 g/mol) with no meaningful nutritional profile in the conventional sense. It contains no protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Macronutrient breakdown by structure: carbon 78.9%, hydrogen 10.6%, oxygen 10.5%. As a lipophilic monoterpene ketone, it is essentially 100% fat-soluble with negligible water solubility (~1 g/L at 25°C), conferring high bioavailability via lipid absorption pathways. Caloric contribution is theoretically ~7.6 kcal/g (estimated from hydrocarbon ketone structure) but is consumed only in trace flavoring quantities (typically <1 mg per serving), rendering caloric contribution nutritionally insignificant. Bioactive compound concentration in its pure form is 100% pulegone. In pennyroyal oil (primary natural source), pulegone constitutes 60–90% of total composition. It possesses no fiber, no amino acids, and no micronutrient content. Its biological activity is driven entirely by its metabolic conversion: hepatic CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 enzymes convert pulegone to the reactive intermediate menthofuran and further to cis- and trans-pulegone epoxides, which are the primary hepatotoxic species identified in animal models at doses >400 mg/kg body weight. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human therapeutic trials are lacking. The compound is noted in flavoring evaluations without therapeutic standardization, and is contraindicated in high doses based on rodent hepatotoxicity data. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Pulegone exhibits significant hepatotoxicity with reported cases of acute liver failure and death following ingestion of pulegone-containing products. The compound is contraindicated during pregnancy due to abortifacient properties and teratogenic potential. Drug interactions may occur with medications metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 enzymes. The FDA prohibits pulegone in dietary supplements due to safety concerns established in 2018. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the available research for pulegone's biomedical applications. The existing literature focuses exclusively on toxicity studies in animal models and metabolic pathway characterization, with no PMIDs provided for therapeutic efficacy studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context Limited traditional medicinal use documentation beyond its presence in pennyroyal and mint plants. The compound has been noted for insecticidal properties in plant extracts, but no specific traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, TCM) or historical durations of use are mentioned in the research. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic ingredients identified due to toxicity concerns and lack of therapeutic applications ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the safe dosage of pulegone? No safe dosage of pulegone has been established, and the FDA prohibits its use in dietary supplements. Case reports show hepatotoxicity at doses as low as 10mL of pennyroyal oil containing pulegone. ### Does pulegone help with liver health? No, pulegone is hepatotoxic and damages the liver through formation of reactive metabolites. Multiple case reports document acute liver failure following pulegone ingestion from pennyroyal products. ### Can pulegone be used as a natural insecticide? While pulegone demonstrates insecticidal properties in laboratory studies, its use is limited due to toxicity concerns. The compound affects insect nervous systems but poses significant health risks to humans and animals. ### Is pulegone banned by the FDA? Yes, the FDA banned pulegone in dietary supplements and food products in 2018 due to hepatotoxicity concerns. The agency determined that pulegone poses unreasonable safety risks at any dosage level. ### What plants contain pulegone naturally? Pulegone is found primarily in pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides), with concentrations reaching 80-90% in essential oils. Smaller amounts occur in other mint family plants including some peppermint varieties. ### Is pulegone safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Pulegone is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to documented hepatotoxic effects in animal models and its rapid metabolism to menthofuran, a compound associated with liver damage. There are no adequate human safety studies to establish safe exposure levels during these critical periods. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid pulegone-containing supplements and products. ### Does pulegone interact with medications that are processed by the liver? Pulegone undergoes significant hepatic metabolism and may interact with medications metabolized through cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially affecting drug efficacy or increasing toxicity risk. Since pulegone itself demonstrates hepatotoxic potential in animal models, concurrent use with medications that stress liver function should be avoided. Consult a healthcare provider before using pulegone alongside prescription medications, particularly those processed by the liver. ### What does the clinical research evidence show about pulegone's effectiveness as a supplement? No human clinical trials have demonstrated therapeutic health benefits for pulegone supplementation, making it unsuitable for medicinal claims. While traditional use evidence and in vitro studies suggest insecticidal and flavoring properties, these do not translate to established human health benefits. Current evidence is insufficient to support pulegone as an effective health supplement for any specific condition. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*