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Herbal drugs have proven to be useful in number of diseases. Metabolic disorders are some disorders which progress at a slower rate but damage the whole functioning of the body. Conventional drugs available for these disorders cure symptomatically. Herbal drugs have the capacity to cure such metabolic disorders synergistically at different steps. The objective of this review lies in summarizing different herbal drugs that can be used for treating thyroid and related disorders effectively.
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International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences
ISSN: 2321-3272 (Print), ISSN: 2230-7605 (Online)
IJPBS | Volume 6 | Issue 1 | JAN-MAR | 2016 | 62-70
Review Article Pharmaceutical Sciences
International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences Chanchal Deep Kaur * et al
www.ijpbs.com or www.ijpbsonline.com
62
HERBAL DRUGS FOR THYROID TREATMENT
Anshita Gupta, Suchita Wamankar, Bina Gidwani, Chanchal Deep Kaur*
Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Pharmacy, Kumhari, Durg, 490042, Chhattisgarh, (C.G.), India
*Corresponding Author Email: dr.chanchaldeep@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Herbal drugs have proven to be useful in number of diseases. Metabolic disorders are some disorders which
progress at a slower rate but damage the whole functioning of the body. Conventional drugs available for these
disorders cure symptomatically. Herbal drugs have the capacity to cure such metabolic disorders synergistically at
different steps. The objective of this review lies in summarizing different herbal drugs that can be used for treating
thyroid and related disorders effectively.
KEY WORDS
Thyroid, herbal drugs, metabolism, synergistically, disorders
INTRODUCTION
Today is the era of discovering new horizons in the
field of medicines, specially through the exploration
of phytocontituents and secondary metabolites. A
decade earlier the use of herbal drugs and
phytomedicines was totally forgotten by the world
because that was the time when alleopathic
medicines were holding the monopoly of curing
diseases and western science blindly rely on it. [1] But
in last few years herbal drugs have again proven their
strong presence in treating various metabolic diseases
like diabetes, hormonal imbalance etc. The aim of the
present review is to discuss the relevance of herbal
drugs in treating a slowly progressing disease
“Thyroid”. In our country the two endemic diseases
are Diabetes and Thyroid which have reported there
presence tremendously in last few decades. Both
these disease are metabolic disorders arising due to
improper life style. [2, 3]
Thyroid disorder can occur from slightly enlarge of
thyroid gland, this type of disorder no need to
treatment, for long life thyroid cancer. The most
common causes of thyroid disorder are abnormal
growth of thyroid hormones [4, 5]. Thyroid disorder is
generally categorized in two ways:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism means suppression of thyroid
function.[2] Hypothyroidism also is divided in two
ways: primary and secondary hypothyroidism.
Primary hypothyroidism means the internal activity of
thyroid gland, leading to decrease circulation of
thyroid hormones or failure to produce enough
thyroid hormone and secondary hypothyroidism
refers as normal pituitary stimulate by hypothalamic
TSH-releasing hormone.[3-6] The main causes of
hypothyroidism are following as:
1) Dysfunction of thyroid gland
2) Lack of TRH, (hypothalamic TSH-releasing
hormone) and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), or
both
3) Inadequate nutrition of iodine diet. [6]
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism means elevation of thyroid function.
Hyperthyroidism refers that hyper metabolic situation
due to excessive level of thyroid hormone secretion
and synthesis. The most common name of
hyperthyroidism is “Graves’s disease”. Graves’s
disease is autoimmune disorder. The main causes of
hyperthyroidism are following as:
1) Increase or elevated level of thyroid hormones by
synthesis and secretion.[8][11]
Thyroid disorders commonly occur in female as
compared with male, a common prevalence ratio of
thyroid diseases is 4:1. On data of community based
studies the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in female
is 2% and in male 0.2% , and about 15% of patient of
hyperthyroidism occurring in old age patient above
60 year of age. Similarly for the prevalence of
hypothyroidism is around 0.3% to 0.4%, which is
increasing with age and most commonly more
females are affected. [12]
International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences Chanchal Deep Kaur * et al
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Int J Pharm Biol Sci.
63
Mainly thyroid gland is located across the trachea and
its shape like a butterfly. Mostly it produce thyroxine
hormone that to regulate or control the metabolic
activity of the body. In the case of too much level of
thyroxine metabolism, it causes weight loss ,
nervousness , irritability and temperature elevation.
In other cases too litte level of thyroxine metabolism
slow down , it causes weight gain ,deepens the voice ,
water retention and mental development in
children.[11][14] Some condition also alter like
menstrual flow , bowel function , hair growth and
skin growth. Comparison study of the signs and
symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in
table 1. “Goiter” term refer that to an enlarge thyroid
gland and it may cause visible swollen in neck and it
can create problem to take normal breathing and
swallowing.[10]
Thyroid hormones are regulated by hypothalamus,
pituitary gland and thyroid axis. The hypothalamus
secretes thyrotrophic releasing hormones (TRH) in
tropic region that activate pituitary gland to secrete
thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH). The main
function of TSH to targets and elevate the production
of thyroid hormones. The mechanism of thyroid
hormones is increase metabolism and consumption of
oxygen, calorigenic effects , stimulates central
nervous system and also involve in progression and
development. The most important thyroid hormones
are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The most
common hormone act as biological power is T3
hormone.[12] Once thyroid released from gland into
the blood, the conversion of large amount of T4 into
T3, which is responsible for the metabolism of cell in
the body. The main function of thyroid hormone is to
regulate the body metabolism and affect the growth
and other important activity in the body. [10] The aim
of this article is to discuss about thyroid disorder with
sign and symptoms, diagnosis and herbs which is used
for treatment of thyroid disorders. Hyperthyroidism
and hypothyroidism are discussed below with their
medicinal plant used for treatment.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism means the deficiency of thyroid
hormones or under active thyroid. It may also be
caused by irregular secretion of TSH from the
pituitary gland and thyrotropin-release hormone from
hypothalamus gland.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism as a result it causes low levels of T4
and T3 in the systemic circulation. When not sufficient
T4 and T3 in the systemic circulation causes
metabolism of body get slow down. Common
symptoms are following below:
Fatigue
Difficulty to concentrating because of
moodiness,
Brain fog
Excessive weight gain
Skin get dry ,coarse and itchy
Hair get dry , coarse and thin
Feeling cold
Constipation
Cramps in muscles
Increased flow of menstrual
Blood pressure low
Exhaustion cause feeling run down and
sluggish depression
Swelling / puffiness in hands , feet ,area of
eye and face
Miscarriage or infertility.[9][11]
Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism
The term diagnosis is the art or act for identifying a
disorder or diseases from their sign and symptoms .
mainly a health care professional like physician
,considers some factors when identify or determine
the cause and nature of hypothyroidism, following
such as:
Symptoms like (changes feel on you) , family
history , risk of factors and medical history.
Physical examination
TSH test: taking blood sample determine most
sensitive test TSH. And other tests such as
free T4 , free T4 index and total T4 are helpful
for diagnosis.[10]
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is also known as thyrotoxicosis. It
means that hyperactivity of thyroid gland. The gland
is usually increases the release of thyroid hormone,
swollen the thyroid and the body process.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism as the results in increase levels of T4
and T3 in the systemic circulation. It causes
metabolism of body get up. Common symptoms are
following as:
Irritation
Increased perspiration from body
Skin get thin
Hair get fine brittle
Weakness in muscles of upper arms and
thighs
Shaking or Severing hands
Panic diseases
International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences Chanchal Deep Kaur * et al
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Int J Pharm Biol Sci.
64
Insomnia
Heart get racing
More frequent in motion of bowels
Weight loss
Less frequent flow of menstrual
periods.[6][8][14]
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism
Diagnosis is done to identify a diseases or disorder
from their sign and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis is done by various parameters including as:
Physical examination
Blood test: levels of thyroid hormones
such as : TSH is low, T3 and T4 is high.
Other tests: Serum cholesterol and
triglycerides, Serum glucose, Radioactive
iodine uptake.[11]
As comparison study of some important symptoms in
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism diseases are
given in Table No.1 following as:
Table No.1: Shows the summarization of Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism diseases
S.No
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
1.
Puffiness in hands
Shaking or Severing hands
2.
Weight gain
Weight loss
3.
Skin get dry
Skin get thin
International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences Chanchal Deep Kaur * et al
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Int J Pharm Biol Sci.
65
4.
Hair get dry and coarse ,thin
Hair get fine and brittle
5.
Blood pressure low
Heart get racing
6.
Swelling eyes and faces
Panic diseases
7.
Fatigue
Insomnia
Treatment goals for Hypothyroidism and
Hyperthyroidism diseases
A large number of herbs act as anti-thyroid activity in
both thyroid diseases hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism. In our review, we have tried to
summarize few anti-thyroid herbs which have been
described below. Mainly different phytoconstituents
have different mechanism of action and uses against
for both thyroid diseases as reported by different
author have studied under each medicinal plants /
herbs. Various herbal plants are available for
hyperthyroidism like Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) ,
Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Gromwell
(Lithospermum ruderale ), Water horehound (
Lycopus lucidus), Lemonbalsam (Melissa Officinalis),
Rose marry (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Sage ( Salvia
officinalis). And for treatment of hypothyroidism
herbal plants are available such as : Gotu Kola (
Centella asiatica ) , Ashwagandha ( Withania
Somnifera ) , Guggul ( Commiphora mukul) , and
Coleus or forskohlii ( Plectranthus barbatus).[5-6]
Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) , is a special type of
brown algae , which occupy a unique place in
treatment of both hypothyroidism and
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hyperthyroidism. Some important plants used for
treatment of thyroid disease are discussed below:
a) Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus): Bugleweed is
used as thyrosuppressive agent that suppress the
thyroid function are the one which are most
effective herbs for thyroid disease. The herbs is
belonging to family of Lamiaceae . it contain
hydrocinnamic acid derived such as lithospermic
acid , rosimarinic acid , chlorogenic acid and
caffeic. Bugleweed and its extract have many
beneficial effects such as it have ability to inhibit
the binding of stimulating antibodies for Grave’s
diseases to the thyroid diseases , blockage
production of thyroid stimulating hormones
(TSH) , decrease deionization of peripheral T4
and also inhibit metabolism of iodine [5][15-18].
b) Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis): lemon balm is
the herb used as thyrosuppressive agent in
treatment of hyperthyroidism. It is effective in
blockage of TSH binding to the receptor by act on
the hormones and receptor itself. It also act on
inhibiting the cyclic AMP production to
stimulating by TSH receptor as antibodies. It
contains large amount of rosimarinic acid. Mostly
rosmarinic acid affects IgG antibodies. They have
ability to instead of creating a receptor response
on thyroid gland, the response in immune system
by reduce the loading of IgG , because of that IgG
antibodies cannot be direct act on thyroid gland.
Because of this result we conclude that lemon
balm may also inhibit autoimmune activity in
immune system. From traditionally, lemon balm
are used to treatment of symptoms associated
with hyperthyroidism such as insomnia,
tachycardia and hyperactivity also.[6]
c) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiac)
In older studies, it studied that motherwort is
herb which mostly used in the combination with
other herbs. Most commonly motherwort has an
anti-inflammatory activity, because it contains
qurecetin, as a flavonoids.
For treatment of autoimmune diseases, it is
important to reduce inflammation or swelling,
because of that motherwort a good choice for
treatment of hyperthyroidism. In this case, the
enzyme 5 deiodanse is inhibit, when the addition
to reducing inflammation. From traditionally
motherwort uses include to treating symptoms of
anxiety, palpitations and tachycardia. [6][23-24].
d) Gromwell ( Lithospermum ruderale )
Gromwell has basically shown similar activity as
bugleweeds. The gromwell herbs are belonging
to family of Boraginaceae. It also contain
rosmarinic acid The main function of herbs in
hyperthyroidism is blocking the binding of TSH to
thyroid follicles ,it also inhibit transport of iodine
to thyroid follicles , and as similar to bugleweeds
it also decrease the peripheral deionization of T4
and also decrease the secretion of thyroid
hormones.[7] [16][18]
e) Rose marry (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rose marry is a herbs which is a member of
Lamiaceae plant. It contains a large amount of
Rosmarinic acid which is used in treatment of
hyperthyroidism. Rosemary plant is similarly act
as lemon balm , because in research it
investigated that rosmarinic acid act on the effect
of TSH on receptor site , also inhibit
immunoglobin effects on Thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH) receptor , and it also decrease the
peripheral conversion of T3. The rosmarinic acid
may also beneficial in the treatment of Grave’s
diseases.[6] [27]
f) Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage herbs are also belonging from the member
of Lamiaceae plants. it also contain rosmarinic
acid. Both rosemary and sage contains rosmarinic
acid in a high percent. Similar it act on act on the
effect of TSH on receptor site , also inhibit
immunoglobin effects on Thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH) receptor , and it also decrease the
peripheral conversion of T3. Because of that Sage
is also known as thyrosuppressive and sage herbs
also have other activity such as antiviral,
antioxidant, nervine and spasmolytic.[5],[9-
10][27]
g) Gotu Kola ( Centella asiatica )
Gotu Kola leaf is commonly beneficial for
treatment of hypothyroidism. It contain asiatic
acid, asiaticoside, brahmoside, , and brahmic
acid also called as madecassic acid. Morre
sugguested that gotu kola has property to
stimulate T4 synthesis. It also used as nervous
system regulator to enhance the energy and
vitality. Because of that it enerzging effect of
this herbs it enhance or stimulate the synthesis of
T4. Mostly tincture of gotu leaf is used for
treatment of hypothyroidism.[6][7]
h) Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera )
Ashwagandha is a saponin giycoside which
known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, it is an
adaptogen plant belonging to Solanaceae family.
It also has antioxidant properties. It contains
alkaloids, steroidal and saponin chemicals which
International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences Chanchal Deep Kaur * et al
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Int J Pharm Biol Sci.
67
is essential for active in the hormonal pathways
in system. These chemical constituents involve in
increase the production of T4 hormone with the
help of conversion of T4 to T3. In 2011 study
Ashwagandha extract has abilility to improve
thyroid activity and also enhance the
antiperoxidation activity in tissue.[5-6][25-26]
i) Guggul ( Commiphora mukul)
Guggul extract contains oleo-resin from tree of
Commiphora mukul . In Oleo-resin of guggul
contain Z- guggulsterone, which have strong
thyroid stimulating activity. Guggulsterone also
increase synthesis of T3 by improving the
conversion of T4 to T3 and hepatic lipid
peroxidation and also increase levels of T3. When
levels of T3 increase it can reduce the LDL
cholesterol level in the patient who suffering
from hypothyroidism. Weight loss can be
stimulated. In India guggul is used as thyroid
stimulants from traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
So its directly acting on thyroid gland to stimulant
thyroid hormones.[12-14][30-32]
Table 2. List of Plant Used In Treatment of Thyroid Diseases
Name of plant
(biological
sources )
Chemical
constituent
Chemical structure
Uses
Bugleweed
(Lycopus
virginicus)
Rosimarinic Acid
Lithospermic
Acid
Chlorogenic
Acid
Used As
Thyrosupressive Agent
Lemon balm
(Melissa
Officinalis)
Rosmarinic acid
Used As
Thyrosupressive Agent
Motherwort
(Leonurus
cardiac)
Qurectin
It Has Anti-
Inflammatory Activity ,
Because Of That It Used
In Combination
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Gromwell
(Lithospermum
ruderale )
Rosmarinic acid
Also Used As
Thyrosu-Pressive
Agents
Rose marry
(Rosmarinus
officinalis)
Rosmarinic acid
Thyrosu-Pressive
Agents
Sage (Salvia
officinalis)
Rosmarinic acid
Thyrosu-Pressive
Agents
Hypothyriodism
Gotu Kola
(Centella
asiatica)
Madecassic acid
Enhance Synthesis Of
T4
Ashwagandha
(Withania
Somnifera )
Withaferin
Improve Thyroid
Activity ,Enhance
Antiperoxidation
Guggul
(Commiphora
mukul)
Guggulosterone
Thyroid Stimulants In
Hypothyroidsm
Bladder wrack
(Fucus
vesiculosus)
Iodine and
L-fucose
Iodine Deficiency,
Goiter ,.
Myxedema
g) Coleus or forskohlii ( Plectranthus barbatus)
Forskohlii is a herbs mostly used for treatment of
hypothyroidism, because it contain essential oils
and terpens. Mostly commonly production and
synthesis of thyroid hormones are enhanced by
forskohlii or coleus. And it also activates
Production of cyclic AMP. It also used with the
combination of synthetic drugs to increase
production of thyroid gland, if the patient has not
been to use medication therapy for long period
of time [5-6][33].
h) Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Bladder wrack is a special type of algae, which
one beneficial advantage is that this algae used in
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therapy of both antithyroid disorder both
hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Bladder
wrack is obtained from algae not from any plant
source , because of that it belonging from the
family of Fucaceae. Traditionally use of bladder
wrack involve in thyroid function in different
conditions if whether is hyperactive, or normal
and or is in underactive. Bladder wrack is
category of seaweeds and all seaweeds contain
variable amount of iodine. Dried bladder wrack
contains approx. 50 mg of iodine. Iodine helps to
stimulate thyroid gland. It contains susbstance
that help to restore the normal function of
thyroid gland and also reduce the size of goiter
presence in thyroid. It is necessary to intake
iodine in case of low iodine levels, because it
cause side effect and cause hyperthyroidism. It
contain s Iodine and L-fucose compound, it have
anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and
anticarcinogenic properties.[6],[14]
CONCLUSION:
Ethno medicinal an area of research dealing with
medicine derived from plants, animals and minerals
including indigenous belief, concept, knowledge and
practice among the ethane group. There is a trend to
discover new medicines from vegetable source on
establishing novel user for older medicines. To get
new medicines for diseases ethno medicinal route is
now issued. The knowledge is now received before it
is completely lost due to change in social economic
condition and rapid urbanization.
The review lead to evolve with very interesting facts.
The versatility exhibited by various plant interestingly
irises the zeal to know more about their plant profile,
their phytochemical activity and range of
pharmacological activities exhibited. The herbal cure
is gaining world wide acceptance and has emphasized
the head of modern scientific exploration and
evaluation of ethno medicine from plants. In
expensive, effective and safe indigenous medication is
gaining acceptance from both urban and rural people.
The green remedy over the world is pushing the
knowledge of primitive sociation on ascending spiral.
This will lead to remarkable discoveries from plant
based ethno medicines.
Acknowledgement: Nill
Conflict of Interest: Nill
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*Corresponding Author:
Chanchal Deep Kaur *
Email: dr.chanchaldeep@gmail.com
... Withania somnifera extract contained alkaloids, steroidal, and saponin. Another plant such as Fucus vesiculosus contains a variable amount of iodine that stimulates thyroid hormone production (Chanchal et al. 2016). ...
... Binding TSH to its receptor results in the activation of adenylate cyclase and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) cascade (Tuncel 2017). Some herbal constituents increased thyroid hormone production through the stimulation of TSHR pathway (Chanchal et al. 2016;Shokri et al. 2018). Tarragon extract could probably stimulate adenylate cyclase enzyme and increase the production of cyclic AMP. ...
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... Accordingly, herbal remedies have gained popularity to manage thyroid disorders as they are believed to be effective, safe and with less side effects (Bharthi et al., 2017). Several plant species are consumed worldwide to normalize thyroid hormones, to support the thyroid function as source of iodine or as thyroid suppressor (Gupta et al., 2016;Shokri et al., 2018;Verma and Jameel, 2014). Currently, Chinese herbal medicines, alone or in combination with drugs, have demonstrated significant benefits in improving thyroid function and reducing relapse rates and adverse effects compared to drugs therapy alone (Zen et al., 2007). ...
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