Efficacy and safety of Barg-e-Sahajna (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in primary hypothyroidism

Abstract Objectives Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder arising from hormone deficiency. It frequently affects women than men. The prevalence of overall hypothyroidism has been reported to be 4.8–11%. Levothyroxine is the treatment of choice for all types of hypothyroidism. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Barg-e-Sahajna (Leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam.) among diagnosed patients of primary hypothyroidism. Methods This study was an open observational study. A total of 22 patients were screened, out of which 10 were excluded (did not meet inclusion criteria) and 2 refused to consent to be part of the study, rest 10 participants were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent finally 8 subjects completed the study and 2 are dropout in last follow up. The drug was given in the form of decoction at the dose of 5 g fresh leaves twice a day after meal for 45 days. Results The study effects on objective parameter thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were found extremely significant when compared before (16.62 ± 11.49, 132 ± 19.32, 9.28 ± 1.46) and after (4.75 ± 3.12, 150.37 ± 20.68, 11.84 ± 3.81) treatment with a significant decrease in serum TSH level (p<0.0246) and an increase in serum T3 (p<0.0005) and T4 (p<0.0438) levels. The results were analyzed using paired “t” test. Conclusions The improvements in thyroid profiles (TSH, T3 and T4) after consuming ‘Barg-e-Sahajna’ show that the test drug is effective in primary hypothyroidism and the relief was considerable. No significant effect on safety parameters (serum-glutamic-oxaloacetic-transaminase [SGOT], serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase [SGPT], blood urea, and serum creatinine) was observed. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Barg-e-Sahajna is preliminarily safe and effective in the management of primary hypothyroidism.