Moringa for hyperthyroidism
Moringa leaf extract can improve your general health. It is capable of regulating the activity of the hyper functioning systems in the human body. This activity will change depending on body’s requirements. The TSH level associated inversely with T3 and T4 levels. Trials were conducted with different herbal extracts to induced hypothyroidism in animal models. One group, which received maximum moringa leaf extract dose showed maximum percentage increase in concentration of T3 and T4 hormones.
A maximum percentage decrease in TSH levels was observed when compared to the other dose levels. This clearly proves that the impact was dose effective and the moringa oleifera leaf extracts can be used in hypothyroidism condition. T3, T4 and TSH concentration for 7 days along with their dosage increase or decrease in relation to the control values in male rats was observed Thyroid hormones play important role on growth and development of the body and regulate metabolism. So, with an increase in thyroid activity, marked changes in thyroid hormone production, metabolism and action occur. This may result in an increased prevalence of sub-clinical thyroid disease that is associated with thyroid dysfunction.
Many factors can have the impact on the concentration of these hormones. Thyroid hormone imbalance can disturb general body metabolism. Thiocyanate compounds from tobacco, smoke, percholorate and drugs contain different amounts of iodine. All these can affect structure and functions of thyroid hormones.
TSH level was inversely associated with T4 levels but the levels of T3 were independent. Elevated TSH level can directly reveal impaired thyroid hormone production. The remaining T3 production is dependent on the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 which is dependent on many factors that include, drugs, bioavailability of enzyme deiodonase disease. In all these conditions inactive T3 form is secreted instead of T3 causing hormone imbalance and functions.
Another study showed Ocimum Sanctum (holy basil) leaf extract has not brought significant changes in serum T3 level, T3/T4 ratio and in serum cholesterol level. HDL levels increased while total cholesterol and LDL levels decreased remarkably. Relationship between serum lipid parameters and thyroid hormones has been studied with various herbal extracts.
Results confirmed the presence of an inverse relationship between thyroxin serum levels and cholesterol. Other studies demonstrated the impact of iodothyronine on the catabolism of the Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL). Increase in LDL and VLDL levels were observed in untreated hypothyroidism.
In some studies it is shown that total and LDL cholesterol are increased in hypothyroidism In a population-based study in older women, in women with high TSH, LDL cholesterol is found 13 % higher, HDL cholesterol 12% lower and total cholesterol, although not statistically significant, 8% higher than women with normal TSH levels.
Presence of hypercholesterolemia in clinical hypothyroidism is well established. It is also reported that total cholesterol and LDL levels are increased in patients with clinical hypothyroidism. This occurs due to the decreased LDL-receptors’ activity. This results in decreased catabolism of LDL. Moringa oleifera extracts is useful in hypothyroidism as it is increasing the T3 and T4 hormone levels and decreasing TSH. It is used in hypercholesterolemia where it decreases the total cholesterol.
More research studies are yet to be carried to identify the exact mechanism of action of thyroid hormone regulation with moringa oleifera leaf extract. Evaluation of the herbal supplement indicated that this extract is stimulant to thyroid functions. Moringa powder capsules consumption is safe for handling hypothyroidism effectively as well as in reducing total cholesterol levels.