Exploring New Applications for Rhodiola rosea: Can We Improve the Quality of Life of Patients with Short-Term Hypothyroidism Induced by Hormone Withdrawal?

Abstract

Patients treated for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are subjected to periodic surveillance that includes serum thyroglobulin measurements followed by radioiodine administrations for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes if necessary. Both procedures require adequately elevated blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which can be achieved by two approaches: parenteral administration of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) or stopping thyroid hormone replacement until optimal levels of endogenous TSH are achieved. Although rhTSH administration does not require hormone withdrawal, it is not inexpensive and carries the risk of secondary effects. The latter option is simpler but induces a profound state of hypothyroidism, which results in physical and mental complaints that may interfere severely with the patient's activities of daily living. Rhodiola rosea is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, and eliminating fatigue, all features of clinical hypothyroidism. Investigators have also suggested additional benefits such as cardioprotection or even tumor growth inhibition. Here, we propose R. rosea as a viable alternative treatment for the symptoms of short-term hypothyroidism in patients with DTC who require hormone withdrawal.

Adjunctive Treatment with Rhodiola Crenulata in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – A Randomized Placebo Controlled Double Blind Clinical Trial

“…RR has been reported to enhance physical, mental [ 15 ], cognitive, and adaptogenic performance among healthy subjects, reduce burnout in patients with fatigue syndrome [ 9 ], and improve depression in patients with hypothyroidism [ 16 ] or mild to moderate depression [ 38 ]. However, the efficacy of RR in previous studies has been criticized due to flaws in the study design [ 39 ].…”

“…Rhodiola rosea L. extract (RR) contains p-tyrosol, salidroside, rosavin, pyridine, rhodiosin and rhodionin [ 9 , 10 ], and has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects [ 11 – 13 ]. RR has also been reported to enhance endurance [ 14 ], physical and mental performance in healthy subjects [ 15 ], and the quality of life in patients with hypothyroidism [ 16 ] with minimal side-effects after long-term use [ 17 ]. However, it has never been used for the management of patients with COPD [ 18 ].…”

Synthetic and Plant Derived Thyroid Hormone Analogs

“…In a work about patients where thyroid have been removed partially or totally due to thyroid cancer, the plant R. rosea was seen as a viable alternative treatment for the symptoms of short-term hypothyroidism in patients who require hormone withdrawal (Zubeldia et al, 2010). Some compounds of natural origin have also shown to affect the thyroid hormone feedback system by interfering with different components of this homeostatically regulated system: biosynthesis, secretion and metabolism, transport, distribution, and action of thyroid hormones, including the feedback mechanism.…”

Rhodiola (Rhodiola spp.): An Evidence-Based Systematic Review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration

“…18,30,31,[47][48][49] The roots of rhodiola have been found to inhibit MAO, 28 thereby preventing the breakdown of monoamines and increasing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, involved in regulating mood. Based on secondary sources and animal research, rhodiola may be used in combination with conventional antidepressants.…”

“…4,18,30,31,47 Well-designed research is required before conclusions may be drawn. 40,41 Significant benefit was noted in 8 studies.…”