Unveiling the Healing Power of Artemisia campestris: A Breakthrough in Hypothyroidism Treatment Through In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Insights.

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigates the protective effect of orally administered Artemisia campestris leaf extract against carbimazole (CMZ)-induced hypothyroidism in albino rats, aiming to evaluate its therapeutic potential as an alternative or adjunct treatment for hypothyroidism, a global endocrine disorder characterized by low free thyroxine (FT4) and high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Materials and methods: Aqueous A. campestris leaf extract was administered to albino rats with CMZ-induced hypothyroidism. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) identified key phytocompounds. Biochemical assays assessed in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and serum FT4 and TSH levels were measured in test (CMZ + extract) and control groups (untreated, CMZ, CMZ + Levothyroxine (LT4)). Histological studies examined thyroid tissue changes. Molecular Docking Simulation (MDS) and ADMET analysis evaluated phytocompound interactions with thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and their in-silico efficacy.

Results: A. campestris exhibited strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Key phytocompounds (β-Sitosterol, Arteannuin B, 2,3-Butanediol) showed high binding affinity with TPO and favorable ADMET profiles, with 2,3-Butanediol indicating a novel role in thyroid hormone modulation. After 60 days, the test group showed marked recovery of thyroid function, with TSH reduced (approximately) 73% from 5.2 ± 0.6 ng/mL (CMZ group) to 1.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL and FT4 increased (approximately) 39% from 0.44 ± 0.05 ng/dL to 1.12 ± 0.08 ng/dL, comparable to the LT4 group.

Discussion: The study demonstrates that A. campestris phytocompounds effectively counteract CMZ-induced hypothyroidism, likely due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and thyroid hormone-modulating properties. The high TPO binding affinity and favorable ADMET profiles suggest potential for drug development, with 2,3-Butanediol as a novel therapeutic candidate.

Conclusion: A. campestris leaf extract offers significant therapeutic potential as an alternative or adjunct therapy for hypothyroidism, fully reversing CMZ-induced effects in rats, comparable to standard LT4 treatment, highlighting its promise for further exploration in endocrine disorder management.