Herbal anti-thyroid drugs: An overview

Endocrine disorders are common in India of which the thyroid disorder represent a major subset. In Indian population, thyroid dysfunction prevalence is rising at an alarming rate. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism constitute the maximum percentage of thyroid diseases in India. The need to combat thyroid dysfunction has risen in recent years due to its increasing prevalence. Hormone replacement has been the choice of therapy. However, alternative medicinal approaches are gaining popularity in view of their efficacy with minimal side effects. This review throws light on various drugs of plant origin which have proven action on thyroid and its functioning and also on the various factors associated with thyroid dysfunction.