Effect of Barg-e-Sehjana (Moringa oleifera Lam.) on Hypothyroidism: A Randomized Single Blind Placebo Controlled Clinical Study

Background: Hypothyroidism is a widely prevalent endocrine disorder that can result in multisystem dysfunction and end-organ damage if left untreated. In conventional medicine, levothyroxine remains the standard therapy; however, it may be associated with adverse effects such as iatrogenic hyperthyroidism, osteoporosis, increased risk of fracture, and atrial fibrillation. Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Barg-e-Sehjana) in the management of hypothyroidism. Methods: In this randomized single blind placebo controlled clinical study, a total of ۵۲ patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism were randomly assigned into two groups: test (n=۲۶) and control (n=۲۶). The test group received M. oleifera Lam. powder at a dose of ۳ g/day, while the control group received placebo at a dose of ۳ g/day with water once a day after breakfast for ۴۵ days. Out of ۵۲ patients, ۴۶ patients completed the study, and their serum TSH levels were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial as a study outcome. Results: In the test group, the mean baseline TSH level decreased from ۱۰.۲۲±۳.۷۲ µIU/mL to ۶.۸۳±۲.۸۵ µIU/mL. The difference was ۳.۳۹, with a P value of <۰.۰۰۱ and Cohen’s d of ۳.۹, indicating a large effect size with a ۹۵% confidence interval. In contrast, the control group exhibited a less significant reduction from ۸.۲۱±۳.۲۲ µIU/mL to ۶.۳۸±۴.۸۴ µIU/mL with a difference of ۱.۸۳ (P<۰.۱۰). Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrate that the daily administration of ۳ g of M. oleifera Lam. powder is effective in reducing elevated levels of TSH and improving thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism.