• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.275-283
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• 2007

Objective : Although hypothyroidism is a common disease in the endocrinology system, it is reported that there are a lot of difficulties in treating it effectively. Aconiti Ra얕 traditionally has been used in treatment of coldness, fatigue, and bradycardia. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of Aconiti Radix on hypothyroidism rat model induced by 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). Methods : Two-month-old rats were used with administration of PTU which induced hypothyroidism in the rats. After 2 weeks, Aconiti Radix and thyroxine were administered, respectively. The body weights were measured every week. After 4 weeks, the blood samples of all rats were taken from their hearts. They were analyzed biochemically and $T_4$ (thyroid hormone) & TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was measured by ELISA kits. Results : In comparison with normals, controls showed hypothyroidism with significantly low $T_4$ and high TSH the statistics. In Aconiti Radix administration groups significantly increased $T_4$ was observed in the statistics and its effects were dose-dependent. There was no difference statistically in TSH of Aconiti Radix treatment groups from controls, nor were statistical differences observed significantly in biochemical labs and weight of each group. Conclusions : These findings suggest that Aconiti Radix protects thyroid cells and makes thyroid cells produce thyroid hormones. It is also very safe in the view of liver, kidney function, and other metabolism. It may be a useful agent for treating hypothyroidism.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.13-22
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• 2011

Objectives: The symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, cold intolerance, arthralgia, muscle cramps, dry skin and etc. Although hypothyroidism is a relatively common endocrinical disease, we do have many difficulties treating it effectively. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to those of Yang-deficiency in Oriental medicine. Epimedii Herba is a popular herb that has the effect of tonifying the kidney and strengthening Yang in Oriental medicine. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of Epimedii Herba on a hypothyroidism rat model induced by PTU(6-Propyl, 2-thiouracil). Methods: 24 two-month-old Spargue-Dawley(SD) rats were divided into 4 groups: 1) normal(n=6), 2) PTU-induced hypothyroidism control(n=6), 3) hypothyroidism rat treated with Epimedii Herba(n=6), 4) hypothyroidism rat treated with levothyroxine(n=6). PTU was administered for 4 weeks, Epimedii Herba and levothyroxine was administered for 2 weeks after PTU was initiated for a total duration of 2 week. At the end of the experiment, blood samples from all the rats were taken from their hearts and were analyzed. Results: In comparison with normal group, the PTU-induced control group significantly showed hypothyroidism with low T3, T4 and high TSH. In Epimedii Herba group, T4 was significantly increased(p<0.05). There was no significant difference in TSH between the Epimedii Herba treatment group and the control group. And no significant differences were observed in biochemical labs and weight between the Epimedii Herba group and the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that Epimedii Herba could help thyroid cells to produce thyroid hormones. And no significant side effects related with Epimedii Herba were found, suggesting that it is safe to administer. According to these results, Epimedii Herba may be a safe alternative medicine for hypothyroidism.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.11-18
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• 2010

Object : This study was to evaluate the effect of Ginseng Radix, aqueous extracts of the root part of Panax ginseng on the 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil(PTU)-induced rat hypothyroidism. Methods : Aqueous extracts of Ginseng Radix(GR; yield = 11.70%) were administered, once day for 42 days from 2 weeks before start of PTU treatment as an oral dose of 300 and 150 mg/kg(body weight), and hypothyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous treatment of PTU 10mg/kg for 28 days. The changes in the body weight, thyroid gland weights, serum levels of thyroid hormone-thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), tri-iodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL), high density lipoprotein(HDL) and triglyceride, liver antioxidant defense system-lipid peroxidation, $H_2O_2$, superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) were observed with histopathology of thyroid glands. Results : Results were compared with LevoT4 0.5mg/kg treated rats. GR extracts suppressed the decreases in the body weight, thyroid gland weights, T3 and T4, TG, liver $H_2O_2$ and SOD activities as results of PTU treatment. And GR extracts suppressed the increases of HDL contents, liver CAT activities, thyroid gland weight as results of PTU treatment. In addition, marked hyperplasia of follicular cells with decreases of follicular colloid contentsand sizes were demonstrated at histopathological inspections. However, these PTU-induced histopathological changes related to hypothyroidism were dramatically decreased by treatment of both different dosages of GR extract, respectively Conclusions : This study suggest that GR extracts have favorable effects on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effects on the hypothyroidism mediated by the modulatory effects on the antioxidant defense system.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.714-723
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• 2012

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of Bupleuri Radix, aqueous extracts of the root part of Bupleurum falcatum on the 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced rat hypothyroidism. Aqueous extracts of Bupleuri Radix (BR; yield = 11.73%) were administered, once day for 42 days from 2 weeks before start of PTU treatment as an oral dose of 300 and 150 mg/kg (body weight), and hypothyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous treatment of PTU 10 mg/kg for 28 days. The changes on the body weight, thyroid gland weights, serum thyroid hormone - thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine ($T_3$) and thyroxine ($T_4$), serum lipid profiles - total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride, liver antioxidant defense system - lipid peroxidation, $H_2O_2$, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were observed with histopathology of thyroid glands. Results were compared with $LevoT_4$ 0.5 mg/kg treated rats. As results of PTU treatment, marked decreases of body weights, triglyceride contents, liver CAT activities and changes of serum thyroid hormone levels were observed with increases of serum AST, HDL contents, liver $H_2O_2$ and SOD activities and thyroid gland weight. In addition, marked hyperplasia of follicular cells with decreases of follicular colloid contents and sizes were demonstrated at histopathological inspections. However, these PTU induced hypothyroidism were dose-dependently inhibited by treatment of BR extracts, and BR extracts effectively regulated the hypothyroidism related changes on the antioxidant defense system. The results obtained in this study suggest that BR extracts have favorable effects on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effects on the hypothyroidism mediated by the modulatory effects on the antioxidant defense system.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.630-637
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• 2010

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lonicerae Flos, aqueous extracts of the dried flower bud part of Lonicera japonica on the 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced rat hypothyroidism. Aqueous extracts of Lonicerae Flos (LF yield = 23.80%) were administered, once day for 42 days from 2 weeks before start of PTU treatment as an oral dose of 500 and 250 mg/kg (body weight), and hypothyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous treatment of PTU 10 mg/kg for 28 days. The changes on the body weight, thyroid gland weights, serum thyroid hormone - thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), tri-iodothyronine ($T_3$) and thyroxine ($T_4$), serum lipid profiles - total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride were observed with liver antioxidant defense system - lipid peroxidation, $H_2O_2$, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and serum asparte aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) analysis. Results were compared with Levothyroxine ($LT_4$) 0.5 mg/kg treated rats. As results of PTU treatment, marked decreases of body weights, serum thyroid hormone levels and triglyceride contents, liver $H_2O_2_3$ and SOD activities were observed with increases of serum AST and HDL contents, liver CAT activities, thyroid gland weight. However, these PTU induced hypothyroidism were dose-dependently inhibited by treatment of LF extracts, and LF extracts effectively regulated the hypothyroidism related changes on the antioxidant defense system. The results obtained in this study suggest that LF extracts have favorable effects on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effects on the hypothyroidism mediated by the modulatory effects on the antioxidant defense system.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.131-152
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• 2016

Objectives ： This study was to evaluate Sibjeondaebo-tang’s(Shiquan dabutang) effect to rat hypothyroidism which induced by 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil(PTU)Methods ： Aqueous extracts of Sibjeondaebo-tang(Shiquan dabutang)(21.29%) were administered by oral dose of 300 and 150 mg/kg(rat’s body weight) for 42 days from 2 weeks before start of PTU treatment. During this moment the body weight, thyroid gland weights, liver weight, serum thyroid hormone, lipid content and liver antioxidant defense system were measured with histopathological changes of thyroid glands, Liver and these result were compared with LevoT₄ 0.5mg/kg treated ratsResults ： As a result of PTU treatment, marked decreases of body weight, liver weight, serum thyroid hormone levels of T₃, T₄, triglyceride content and liver CAT activation were observed with marked increases of thyroid gland weight, thyroid gland hormone TSH, activate liver H₂O₂ and SOD, serum Total cholesterol, HDL and AST amount were admitted. In addition, marked hyperplasia of follicular cells with reduce of follicular colloid contents and sizes were showed at histopathological inspections. These PTU-induces histopathological changes related to hypothyroidism were significantly reduced by treatment of both different dosages of Sibjeondaebo-tang(Shiquan dabutang).Conclusions： This study suggest that Sibjeondaebo-tang(Shiquan dabutang) extracts have favorable effect on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effect on hypothyroidism medicated by modulatory effects on antioxidant defense system.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.45-53
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• 2019

Objectives : In present study, we investigated a therapeutic effect of Astragali Radix on hypothyroidism rat model induced by 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU). Methods : Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups : Group one included the normal mice. Group two was administrated PTU. Group three and four were administrated the aqueous extract of Astragali Radix 150 and 300 mg/kg before start of PTU treatment. Group five (Positive control) was administrated with levothyroxine 0.5 mg/kg. During this moment the body weight, liver $H_2O_2$ and catalase (CAT) amount, serum thyroid hormone, serum asparte aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gland weights were measured with histopathological changes of thyroid glands. These results were compared with levothyroxine 0.5 mg/kg treated rats. Results : The PTU treatment lead to marked decreases of body weight, level of thyroid hormone in serum and liver CAT activation. Also, PTU treatment increased thyroid gland weight, thyroid gland hormone TSH, liver $H_2O_2$ amount and level of AST in serum. On the other hands, the administration of Astragali Radix extract increased body weight gains and ameliorated histopathological changes of thyroid such as hyperplasia of follicular cells with of follicular colloid contents and sizes. In addition, the administration of Astragali Radix extract increased level of $T_4$ in serum, CAT activation in liver. Moreover, the administration of Astragali Radix extract decreased levels of TSH and AST in serum and $H_2O_2$ amount in liver Conclusions : This study suggests that Astragali Radix extract has therapeutic effects on hypothyroidism via promoting thyroid hormone production.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.425-434
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• 2011

Objectives : Hypothyroidism is the most common pathological disease of the endocrine system. Morinda Officinalis Radix has been used in treatment of Yang deficiency. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of Morinda Officinalis Radix on a rat model of hypothyroidism induced by 6-propyl, 2-thiouracil (PTU). Methods : Two-month-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were used with injection of PTU which induced rats into hypo-thyroidism. During 2 weeks, rats were treated with Morinda Officinalis Radix and thyroxine. Body weights were checked every week, the after 4 weeks, biochemical analyses were performed. The levels of T3, T4 and TSH was measured by EILSA. Results : In the Morinda Officinalis Radix group, we could observe the level of T4 significantly increased and TSH level significantly decreased. Conclusions : Morinda Officinalis Radix could help the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones under PTU suppression. There is no harm effect on liver and kidney function, or other metabolism. According to these results it could help to treat hypothyroidism patients and relieve their symptoms.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.109-119
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of Mume Fructus(MF) on the 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil(PTU)-induced rat hypothyroidism.Methods : Aqueous extracts of MF(yield = 19.38%) were administered, once per day for 42 days from 2 weeks before starting of PTU treatment as an oral dose of 300 and 150 ㎎/㎏(body weight), and hypothyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous treatment of PTU 10 ㎎/㎏ for 28 days. The changes in the body weight, thyroid gland weights, liver weight, serum levels of thyroid hormone-thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), tri-iodothyronine(T₃) and thyroxine(T₄), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL), high density lipoprotein(HDL) and triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), liver antioxidant defense system-lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂, superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) were examined with histopathology of thyroid glands and liver.Results : Results were compared with LevoT₄0.5 ㎎/㎏ treated rats. MF extracts recovered from the decreases in the body weight, liver weight, T₃and T₄, TG, liver CAT activities as results of PTU treatment. And MF extracts recovered from the increases of thyroid gland weights, TSH, HDL contents, liver H₂O₂, AST as results of PTU treatment. In addition, these PTU-induced histopathological changes in thyroid glands and liver related to hypothyroidism were dramatically decreased by treatment of both different dosages of MF extract, respectively.Conclusions : According to the above results, it is suggested that MF extracts have advantageous effects on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effects on the hypothyroidism related liver injuries mediated by the modulation on the antioxidant system.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.1000-1010
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• 2008

Objective : Hypothyroidism is a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as cold intolerance, or weight gain. Because of side effects of Western medicine treatment, interest in oriental medicine has been increasing. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of Evodiae fructus and histological modification in hypothyroidism rat model induced by PTU(6-propyl, 2-thiouracil). Methods : After inducing hypothyroidism in the rats by PTU injections, we divided the rats into four groups, the Evodiae fructus 100 500, control, and $LT_4$ (levothyroxine) groups. After 2 weeks Evodiae fructus and $LT_4$ were administered, respectively. The weight was measured once a week. After sampling the blood for biochemical analysis to check the levels of $T_3$, $T_4$ and TSH, the thyroid tissue was removed, stained with H&E, and an image was obtained using an optical microscope. Results : Compared with normals, controls showed low $T_4$ and high TSH. The Evodiae fructus group showed a statistically meaningful $T_3$ increase to be dose related. But the levels of TSH showed no meaningful difference between the Evodiae fructus group and normals. About the biochemical tests(liver, kidney etc) and weight change, there was no meaningful difference between the Evodiae fructus group and controls. In the biopsy, the Evodiae fructus group showed thyroid tissue improvement compared to controls. Conclusions : These results show that Evodiae fructus stimulates the decreased functions of the thyroid, and also has thyroid cell protecting effects. The lab results also showed that Evodiae fructus is a safe substance that doesn't cause hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Therefore it is an effective substance in the treatment of hypothyroidism.