Ashwagandha and thyroid health
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It has become popular in Western natural health practices in the last decade due to the sheer amount of positive research on it and its benefits for the body. Ashwagandha grows prolifically in Asia, and in the Sanskrit language, Ashwagandha directly translates as 'smell of the horse' due to its unique smell and its ability to increase strength.
Ashwagandha and the thyroid
Many research papers have cited the benefits of Ashwagandha for modulating thyroid function in those with subclinical hypothyroidism, making it a subject of interest for endocrinologists and integrative medicine practitioners.
The thyroid gland, through the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), regulates metabolism, energy production, and overall hormonal balance. Dysregulation can lead to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Ashwagandha works through a few mechanisms that benefit the thyroid.
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Ashwagandha's main mechanism is through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulation, an axis that works in communication with the brain and the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce the stress hormone cortisol, and reducing the level of cortisol production can help those with chronic stress. Chronic stress and raised cortisol are known contributors to thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism.
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Direct thyroid stimulation
Several studies indicate that Ashwagandha can enhance thyroid hormone levels. A Double-Blind, Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine looked at Ashwagandha supplementation in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and reported that Ashwagandha treatment effectively normalised the serum thyroid levels during the 8-week treatment period in a significant manner.1
A review published in the Journal of Molecular Science concluded that Ashwagandha improves the secretory function of the thyroid gland and causes an increase in the secretion of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid gland and a subsequent decrease in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in accordance with the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, among other endocrine benefits.2
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Ashwagandha's antioxidative properties help reduce oxidative stress, a main factor in autoimmune thyroid diseases. This may slow the progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and reduce thyroid antibody levels.
What else is Ashwagandha used for?
Ashwagandha can have a positive effect on the functioning of the following:
- Endocrine system
- Normalising adrenal activity
- Multidirectional improvement in the functioning of the reproductive system
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