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Herbal medicines can cause hyperthyroidism
The background of the study. Hyperthyroidism can
occur as a result of ingestion of not only pure thyroid hormone
products, but also nonprescription products marketed to reduce weight
or boost energy that contain thyroid hormones. This article describes
patients with hyperthyroidism caused by herbal medicines that contained
thyroid hormone.
How the study was done. Twelve women had hyperthyroidism attributed to ingestion of “Ever Youth” or “Dream Shape,” products marketed for weight reduction in Japan. The two products were said to contain several herbal substances, such as Chinese matrimony vine, chrysanthemum, hydrangea vine, and lotus leaf, and also tea and seaweed. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was confirmed by measurements of serum thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and free triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones were also measured in two subjects who ingested a high dose of Ever Youth and Dream Shape.
The results of the study. Eight women had taken Ever Youth and four had taken Dream Shape. All 12 women had low serum TSH concentrations, and most had high serum free T4 and free T3 concentrations. The normal subjects who took these products had a moderate rise in serum free T3 concentrations, a slight rise in serum free T4 concentrations, and a slight fall in serum TSH concentrations. Chemical analysis of digests of both products contained both T3 and T4, indicating that the products most likely contained a crude extract of animal thyroid tissue.
The conclusions of the study. Herbal medicines marketed to promote weight loss may contain T3 and T4, and therefore can cause hyperthyroidism.
The original article. Ohye H, Fukata S, Kanoh
M, Kubota S, Kuma K, Miyauchi A, Sugawara M. Thyrotoxicosis caused
by weight-reducing herbal medicines. Arch Intern Med 2005;165:831-4.
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| Thyroid Digest Index | | | July 2005 Thyroid Digest |
