Withania somnifera Root Extract Ameliorates PTU-Induced Hypothyroidism by Regulating Hormone Levels and Gene...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology
• Herbal Medicine Research

Background:

• Hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder, results from insufficient thyroid hormone production (T3 and T4).
• Current treatments like synthetic hormone replacement have limitations and potential adverse effects.
• Investigating natural compounds for hypothyroidism treatment is crucial for developing safer alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a methanolic extract of Withania somnifera root (MEWS) in a rat model of hypothyroidism.
• To assess MEWS's impact on thyroid hormone levels, gene expression, and thyroid gland histology.
• To identify potential bioactive compounds in MEWS targeting key thyroid regulatory pathways using computational methods.

Main Methods:

• Propylthiouracil (PTU) was used to induce hypothyroidism in Wistar rats.
• Rats were treated with varying doses of MEWS, and controls received no treatment or PTU alone.
• Serum hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4), thyroid histopathology, TPO and TG gene expression, molecular docking, and ADMET profiling were analyzed.

Main Results:

• PTU-induced hypothyroidism significantly altered thyroid weight, TSH, T3, T4 levels, and TPO/TG gene expression.
• MEWS treatment significantly reversed these alterations, restoring hormone levels and reducing thyroid weight and gene expression.
• Histopathology showed improved thyroid follicular architecture and reduced fibrosis; computational analysis identified potential bioactive compounds targeting TSHR and D2.

Conclusions:

• Methanolic extract of Withania somnifera root (MEWS) demonstrates significant efficacy in ameliorating PTU-induced hypothyroidism in rats.
• MEWS normalizes thyroid hormone balance, regulates key gene expression, and improves thyroid morphology.
• Withania somnifera shows promise as an adjunct or alternative therapy for hypothyroidism, supported by its phytochemical profile and computational validation.