Effects of Commiphora mukul, Withania somnifera and Thyroxine on Thyroid Profile in Murine Model of Hypothyroidism

Introduction: Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism are on the rise these days due to unhealthy lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies which calls for research in this domain. Monotherapy with thyroxine is considered the main line of treatment up till now but besides its beneficial role in normalizing thyroid hormone levels, it has serious cardiac effects which leads to the search of safer natural remedies. Commiphora mukul and Withanias omnifera are considered two such plants with beneficial role in correcting T3 and T4 levels respectively. However keeping in mind the diagnostic importance of TSH, the effects of these phyto extracts on TSH levels needs to be established. Aims & Objectives: So the present study is designed to explore the effects of Ethanolic extract of Commiphora mukul (CMEE) and Withania somnifera (WSEE) on T3, T4 and TSH levels keeping thyroxine as a gold standard in murine model of hypothyroidism. Place and duration of study: This study was carried out in the animal house of PGMI, Lahore. Total duration of study was 38 days. Material & Methods: 50 female rats were divided into 5 groups. G-1 the control group. G-2 received methimazole 60mg/kg/day for 21 days in order to induce hypothyroidism and left untreated for self recovery & G3-5 were induced with methimazole in the same way. After induction all the groups were treated for 15 days, G-3: CMEE 0.2g/kg/day orally, G4: WSEE 1.4g/kg/day orally and G-5 received the gold standard Thyroxin 0.6μg/100gm BW S/C. Thyroid function tests were performed in all groups on Day 1, repeated on Day 22 after methimazole administration and on Day 38 following completion of treatment. Results: The results showed that both CMEE and WSEE corrected T3 and T4 levels to significant extent. CMEE had more effect on T3 levels whereas WSEE corrected T4 levels more. TSH levels were also reverted to normal showing the potential of both these extracts to correct TSH besides T3, T4 levels. Conclusion: This proves that these extracts may play a significant role in correcting thyroid profile (T3, T4 & TSH) if used clinically for the treatment of hypothyroidism. However, clinical research is highly recommended in this domain. Key words: Commiphora mukul, Withania somnifera, hypothyroidism, thyroxine.