Evidence supporting the use of: Commiphora
For the body system: Thyroid Gland

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Commiphora, particularly Commiphora mukul (also known as guggul), has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, especially in India, for supporting thyroid health. In Ayurveda, guggul is believed to stimulate thyroid function and has been used in formulations for hypothyroidism, often combined with other herbs. The traditional rationale comes from observations and empirical use rather than systematic scientific studies.

The scientific evidence for Commiphora's effect on the thyroid gland is limited and somewhat mixed. Some animal studies, mainly from Indian research in the late 20th century, have suggested that guggulsterones (active compounds in Commiphora) may stimulate thyroid function and increase iodine uptake or enhance thyroid peroxidase activity. However, these findings are not robustly replicated in human clinical trials, and there is a lack of large, high-quality studies demonstrating clear efficacy or safety for thyroid disorders.

In summary, while Commiphora has a traditional reputation for supporting thyroid health, there is insufficient scientific evidence to strongly support its use for this purpose. Most claims are based on traditional practice and a limited number of animal studies rather than well-designed clinical trials.

More about commiphora
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Products containing commiphora

Nature's Sunshine Joint Health (Ayurvedic)