Efficacy of Ayurvedic herbal formulation and Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation in hypothyroidism patients

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the major endrocrine disorders seen in general population worldwide. Although modern drugs are quite effective in managing hypothyroidism, it is subject to sustaining certain side effects. So, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic herbal formulation and Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation in managing hypothyroidism in Nepalese population. Methods and analysis: This study was a randomized, double-blind, and controlled trial. A total of 50 participants with the diagnosis of hypothyroidism was randomly assigned to the intervention group or control group in a ratio of 1:1 for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the thyroidstimulating hormone level, and secondary outcome measures was the change in body mass index, waist-hip ratio, blood glucose level, lipid profile, liver function tests and renal function tests between the baseline and at 4 weeks after intervention. Statistical analysis was done by comparing categorical variables using chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test and comparing continuous variables using paired and unpaired student’s t test. Results: There was a decrease in TSH levels of the participants by 12.5% and 7.9%, after intervention with AHF and AHMF, respectively. There were a small statistical significant difference only in waist-hip ratio ( p= 0.04) when compared before and after treatment with AHF and AHMF whereas there was no significant changes observed in other clinical variables after intervention with AHF and AHMF. Conclusion: This study may provide new evidence for the effectiveness of Ayurvedic herbal formulation and Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation in hypothyroidism in context of Nepal.