乾薑이 PTU로 유발된 Rat의 갑상선 기능저하증에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Objective : Hypothyroidism is a common disease in endocrinal system, characterized by fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and so on. Clinically, Levothyroxine(L-T4) has been usually used for replacement therapy, but it often has side effects, so many hypothyroidism patients wants oriental medical therapy. Zingiberis rhizoma, traditionally has been used in treatment of coldness, fatigue, and bradycardia. In this study, I investigated the therapeutic effects of Zingiberis rhizoma on PTU induced hypothyroidism rat. Methods : I used two-month-old rats, and they were administered PTU and induced hypothyroidism. After 2 weeks, Zingiberis rhizoma and thyroxine were daily administered, respectively. and body weights were measured every weeks. After 4 weeks, the blood samples were taken and analyzed biochemically and T4, TSH was measured by ELISA kits. Results : In comparison with normal groups, control groups showed hypothyroidism with low T4 and high TSH level. In Zingiberis rhizoma administration groups were observed T4 level elevation and the elevation was dependent on the dose of Zingiberis rhizoma. Between experimental groups and control groups, there was no difference in TSH level, statistically. The changes of biochemistry were not observed in all experimental groups.Conclusions : These findings suggest that Zingiberis rhizoma makes thyroid cells producing thyroid hormones. And there is non-toxic effect on cardiovascular system, liver and kidney function. So, Zingiberis rhizoma should be effective agents for treating hypothyroidism.