The Role of Herbal Therapy in the Treatment of Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Abstract

Currently, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) are the foremost conditions that people think of when discussing autoimmune thyroid disorders. While radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, anti-thyroid drugs, and surgical resection are currently at the forefront for GD; thyroid replacement therapy is used for HT. Many studies are being performed to develop new treatment methods for Graves and Hashimoto thyroiditis patients who do not respond to traditional treatments. While herbal treatments are being tried for GD, studies are being carried out on changing nutritional habits or additional food supplements for HT. While there are currently many studies on traditional Chinese medicine in the literature for GD, nutrients for HT are considered complementary treatments using their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In patients with HT, the need for levothyroxine increases, especially due to possible interactions of gliadin with thyroid antigens, the presence of lactose components in levothyroxine preparations, and damage to the intestinal villi in those with lactose intolerance. Therefore, the course of the disease may be better in HT patients with additional dietary recommendations.