Ashwaganda roots on the table with turmeric spice

Study on the effect of ashwagandha on hypothyroidism

Ashok Kumar Sharma et al.

March 2018

Ayurveda medicine / treatment

Metabolism / Stomach / Intestines

The pilot study from 2016(published in 2018) looked at the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

The study, which was conducted at Sudbhawana Hospital in India, involved 50 people with elevated serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The subjects were randomized to receive either ashwagandha root extract or a placebo over a period of 8 weeks.

Efficacy variables included TSH, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) serum levels.

The results showed that treatment with ashwagandhasignificantly improved serum TSH, T3 and T4 levelscompared to placebo. Adverse effects were mild and transient, and only 8% of subjects reported them.

The study concludes that treatment with ashwagandha may contribute to the normalization of thyroid levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Hypothyroidism
Institution: Consultant Physician, Sudbhawana Hospital, Varanasi, India
Title: Study on the effect of ashwagandha on hypothyroidism
Brief description: A study shows that ashwagandha improves TSH, T3 and T4 levels in subclinical hypothyroidism, with minimal side effects.
Original title: Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28829155/