ROLE OF SHILAJIT AND TRIPHALA KWATH IN HYPOTHYROIDISM: A REVIEW

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is one of the burning issues in the current scenario and is affecting the lives of many people on various levels. Autoimmunity is responsible for over 90% of non-iatrogenic hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient area. In iodine-sufficient areas, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (also known as Hashimoto’s disease). Subclinical hypothyroidism is a mild form of primary hypothyroidism. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain, cold intolerance, fatigue, somnolence, dry skin, dry hair, menorrhagia are more common constipation, hoarseness of voice, aches and pains, muscle stiffness, deafness, depression, infertility is less common. As per Ayurveda (science of life), it is caused due to vitiation of Agni. Shilajit an exudate, contains mainly fulvic acid, humic acid, and trace element (iron, selenium) which includes anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulant, properties. Anaemia as a symptom is associated with Hypothyroidism. The constituent present in Shilajit that is Fulvic acid enhances the absorption of iron so that serum iron status increases and can be helpful in the management of hypothyroidism. Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation of dried fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Phyllantus emblica. The major phytoconstituent of Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula and Phyllantus emblica fruits is gallic acid, which is known to have a wide range of therapeutic activity, e.g. anti-atherosclerotic, cardioprotective. In this review paper, it is being established that all these characteristics of Shilajit with Triphala kwath may be the probable reason for its effect on the management of hypothyroidism.