Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland is underactive and does not synthesize the hormones needed for proper metabolism. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, depression and sensitivity to cold. Conventional treatment may involve a synthetic thyroid hormone like levothyroxine, but it may cause unpleasant side effects and may not be necessary in mild cases of hyperthyroidism which can be treated with herbs. Herbs, however, are not a substitute for conventional treatment, and their use, side effects and potential drug interactions should be discussed with a doctor.
Ashwagandha and Bauhinia
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, and bauhinia, or Bauhinia purpurea, are plants native to Asia and used extensively in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, or an herb used to balance the body’s immune and endocrine systems. Bauhinia is used to treat glandular disorders. The thyroid gland regulates most body functions by synthesizing thyroid hormones called triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4. A 1999 study published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” tested extracts of ashwagandha root and bauhinia bark on female test animals. The study found that both extracts stimulated the thyroid: ashwagandha extract significantly increased T4, and bauhinia extract significantly increased both T3 and T4. The article's authors noted that studies and clinical trials are needed to test for safety and efficacy in humans.
Bacopa
Bacopa, or Bacopa monnieri, is a perennial creeper also known as brahmi in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It contains potent alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, and is used to treat anxiety, asthma and epilepsy. It is also known as a brain, nerve and heart tonic in India. A study published in a 2002 issue of the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” evaluated a bacopa extract and extracts from two other plants for their effects on thyroid hormones in test animals. The study found that only bacopa enhanced thyroid function by stimulating T4 synthesis and/or release. After 15 days, bacopa increased T4 concentration by 41 percent with no liver damage. This study demonstrates that bacopa has a stimulating effect and may be useful in treating hypothyroidism, but studies are needed to test its efficacy and safety in humans.
Guggal
Guggal is a gum resin from the mukul myrrh tree, or Commiphora mukul, and C. wightii, a small thorny tree found in western India. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat rheumatism, urinary disorders and neurological problems. The resin contains essential oils and sterols that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. A study reported in a 2005 issue of the journal “Phytotherapy Research” tested a guggal extract on female animals with induced hypothyroidism. The study found that after 30 days, guggal increased levels of T3 and normalized the thyroid function without any liver damage. Another study, published in 2000 by the journal “Pharmacy and Pharmacology Communications,” found that both T3 and T4 increased when guggal was combined with ashwagandha and bauhinia. Further studies are needed to test the mechanism of action and the safety of guggal in humans.
References
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice; Panda S., Kar A.; November 1999
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice; Kar A., Panda S., Bharti S.; July 2002
- “Phytotherapy Research”; Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) potentially ameliorates hypothyroidism in female mice; Panda S., Kar A.; January 2005
- “Pharmacy and Pharmacology Communications”; Combined effects of ashwagandha, guggulu and bauhinia extracts in the regulation of thyroid function and on lipid peroxidation in mice; Panda S., Kar A.; January 2000
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