MEDICINAL PLANTS AS ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CLINICAL AND PRECLINICAL EVIDENCE

Hypothyroidism is a widespread endocrine disorder where insufficient hormone secretion causes metabolic and cognitive disturbances. While levothyroxine remains the standard treatment, persistent symptoms like fatigue and weight gain drive interest in traditional phytotherapies. This review synthesizes data from peer-reviewed databases and classical Ayurvedic texts to evaluate the efficacy of medicinal plants. Clinical evidence highlights Ashwagandha’s ability to significantly increase T3 and T4 levels while reducing Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Similarly, Guggulu stimulates hormone production and iodine uptake, and Nigella sativa improves thyroid status in Hashimoto’s patients by reducing anti-TPO antibodies. Preclinical studies further support the thyrotropic roles of Brahmi and Shigru. These herbs function through antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immunomodulatory mechanisms to modulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis. Although these plants offer promising adjunctive benefits for metabolic and stress-related imbalances, the lack of large-scale clinical trials necessitates further rigorous research to ensure long-term safety and standardization in clinical practice.