Year: 2024 | Month: December | Volume: 14 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 65-72
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20241207
Botanical Solutions: Exploring Herbal Therapies for Thyroid Disorders
Sneh Singh1, Shubhra Saraswat2
1Resarch Scholar, Department of Home Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute Agra
2Assistant Professor Department of Home Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute Agra
Corresponding Author: Shubhra Saraswat
ABSTRACT
Thyroid disorders, encompassing conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules, pose significant challenges in healthcare due to their prevalence and diverse clinical manifestations. While conventional medical treatments play a crucial role, increasing attention has been directed towards herbal interventions as adjunctive or alternative therapies. This review systematically examines the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of various herbs commonly used in the management of thyroid disorders. Through comprehensive literature analysis, we highlight the pharmacological properties and clinical evidence supporting the use of herbs such as Bacopa monnieri, Withania somnifera, Commiphora mukul, and Guggul, among others, in thyroid dysfunction. We discuss their potential to modulate thyroid hormone levels, exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and regulate immune responses. Furthermore, we explore the synergistic effects of herbal formulations and their potential interactions with conventional thyroid medications. Despite promising findings from preclinical and clinical studies, several challenges remain, including standardization of herbal preparations, elucidation of optimal dosages, and rigorous evaluation of long-term safety profiles. Moreover, the integration of herbal therapies into conventional healthcare practices necessitates collaboration between traditional healers, herbalists, and allopathic practitioners to ensure patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes. This review underscores the importance of further research to validate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of herbal interventions in thyroid disorders, thus facilitating informed clinical decision-making and enhancing therapeutic options for patients with thyroid dysfunction.
Key words: Thyroid disorders, herbal medicine, alternative therapy, hypothyroid, botanicals