Concentrated Ashwagandha Root Extract Normalizes Thyroid Hormone Levels, Study Suggests

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Results of a clinical study¹ published recently in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine show that KSM-66 ashwagandha-a highly concentrated extract of the ashwagandha root manufactured and marketed by Ixoreal Biomed (Hyderabad, India; Los Angeles) for use in supplements and functional foods and beverages-may significantly improve circulating levels of thyroid hormones.

In the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 50 subjects aged 18 to 50 with elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were randomized to receive either eight weeks of supplementation with the concentrated ashwagandha extract or a placebo. Upon completion of the trial, the researchers found the extract significantly improved serum TSH, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels-achieving change toward normalization of 19, 45 and 21%, respectively, indicating that the ashwagandha extract can normalize thyroid hormone levels in individuals with elevated levels.

Noting that ashwagandha has a long history as an adaptogenic herb used to maintain homeostasis and rejuvenate health, Kartikeya Baldwa, director of Ixoreal Biomed, pointed out in a press statement that “very few modern published papers have reported ashwagandha’s beneficial effects on thyroid function. This is the first clinical study that supports the traditional claim of ashwagandha as a thyroid modulator.”

Scientific literature supports ashwagandha root’s role as a “calming” agent that “promotes balance in the body to increase or decrease key hormone levels to bring them to appropriate levels,” Baldwa adds. The present study strengthens that body of science, increasing Ixoreal’s count of 10 published studies, six additional studies completed and in peer review, and eight ongoing studies investigating ashwagandha’s benefits.

References:

1. Sharma AK et al., “Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Published online ahead of print August 2017.