Ashwagandha for Thyroid: Does It Really Help?

randomized-controlled-trial PMID: 28829155

Quick Summary: Research suggests that taking Ashwagandha root extract may improve thyroid function in people with a mild thyroid condition called subclinical hypothyroidism. This study found that Ashwagandha helped lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increase thyroid hormone (T4) levels.

What The Research Found

This study looked at how Ashwagandha affects people with subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid isn't working quite right, but you might not have obvious symptoms. The researchers found:

Better Thyroid Hormone Levels: People taking Ashwagandha had a significant drop in TSH levels (the hormone that tells your thyroid to work) and an increase in T4 levels (the main thyroid hormone).

Improved Thyroid Function: A larger percentage of people taking Ashwagandha saw their thyroid function return to normal compared to those who took a placebo (a "dummy" pill).

Safe to Use: The study found no serious side effects from taking Ashwagandha.

Study Details

Who was studied: 50 adults (ages 18-50) in India who had subclinical hypothyroidism.

How long: The study lasted for 8 weeks.

What they took: Participants took either 600 mg of a specific Ashwagandha root extract (Sensoril) daily or a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).

What This Means For You

If you have subclinical hypothyroidism, this research suggests that Ashwagandha might help improve your thyroid function. However, it's important to remember:

Talk to your doctor: Before taking Ashwagandha, especially if you're already on thyroid medication. They can help you decide if it's right for you and monitor your thyroid levels.

Consider the specific extract: The study used a specific brand of Ashwagandha root extract called Sensoril. Other brands or forms of Ashwagandha might not have the same effects.

Don't self-treat: Ashwagandha might help, but it's not a replacement for medical care.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that this study has some limitations:

Small study: The study only included 50 people, so more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Short duration: The study only lasted 8 weeks, so we don't know the long-term effects of Ashwagandha.

Specific population: The study was done on Indian adults, so the results might not be the same for everyone.

Specific product: The study used a specific Ashwagandha extract (Sensoril), so other products might not have the same results.

Key Findings

This 2018 study demonstrated that Ashwagandha root extract significantly improved thyroid function in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism. Participants receiving Ashwagandha experienced a 41.5% reduction in TSH levels (from 4.9 to 3.0 µIU/mL) compared to a 11.6% reduction in the placebo group (from 4.8 to 4.2 µIU/mL). Serum T4 levels increased by 19.6% in the Ashwagandha group versus 9.2% in placebo. Additionally, 38.8% of Ashwagandha recipients normalized their thyroid function, compared to 9.2% in the placebo group. The extract was well-tolerated with no reported adverse effects.

Study Design

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in India with 50 adults (18–50 years) diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Ashwagandha root extract or placebo for 8 weeks. Thyroid parameters (TSH, T4) were measured at baseline and post-intervention.

Dosage & Administration

The intervention group received 600 mg/day of standardized Ashwagandha root extract (Sensoril), administered in two divided doses with milk. The placebo group received identical capsules without active ingredients. The extract was sourced from a commercial supplier, with unspecified details on standardization beyond the brand name.

Results & Efficacy

TSH reduction: Ashwagandha group decreased from 4.9 ± 0.3 to 3.0 ± 0.6 µIU/mL (p < 0.001 vs. placebo).
T4 increase: Ashwagandha group rose from 7.1 ± 0.4 to 8.5 ± 0.7 µg/dL (p < 0.01 vs. placebo).
Normalization of thyroid function: 38.8% (19/49) of Ashwagandha users achieved euthyroid status vs. 9.2% (4/43) in placebo (p < 0.05).
Safety: No significant changes in liver/kidney function or lipid profiles, indicating short-term safety.

Limitations

Small sample size (n=50) and short duration (8 weeks) limit conclusions on long-term efficacy.
Homogeneous population (Indian adults; no details on gender distribution) reduces generalizability.
Lack of mechanistic data: The study did not assess T3 levels, thyroid antibodies, or potential interactions with thyroid peroxidase activity.
Commercial product specificity: Results may not apply to other Ashwagandha formulations or dosages.

Clinical Relevance

For individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism, this study suggests 600 mg/day of Sensoril Ashwagandha root extract may improve thyroid hormone regulation. However, the findings are preliminary due to the small sample size and short duration. Users should consult healthcare providers before use, especially if on thyroid medications, as interactions are possible. The results support further research into Ashwagandha’s role in thyroid management but do not confirm its suitability for clinical hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s.

Note: The study’s population primarily included adults with mild thyroid dysfunction (baseline TSH ~4.9 µIU/mL), aligning with subclinical (not overt) hypothyroidism. No significant adverse events were reported, though larger trials are needed to confirm safety.