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Prunella

Also known as: Prunella vulgaris, Self-heal, Heal-all

Overview

*Prunella vulgaris*, commonly known as self-heal or heal-all, is a perennial herb found in Europe, Asia, and North America. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The herb is characterized by its pentacyclic triterpenoids, compounds that have demonstrated antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies. *Prunella vulgaris* is often used to address various health conditions, with a notable focus on thyroid-related issues such as thyroiditis and nodular goiter. It is available in various forms, typically as a whole herb or as part of herbal formulations. Research on *Prunella vulgaris* is ongoing, with increasing interest in its potential therapeutic benefits, although the quality of available evidence varies.

Benefits

*Prunella vulgaris* has shown potential benefits, particularly in the context of thyroid health. A meta-analysis indicated that *Prunella vulgaris* combined with levothyroxine demonstrated superior clinical efficacy for thyroiditis and thyroid nodules compared to levothyroxine alone, with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.22 (95% CI [1.11, 1.33]) for clinical efficacy. This suggests it may improve thyroid function parameters and reduce thyroid nodule diameter. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects may benefit individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The herb may be particularly beneficial for patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis due to its potential to regulate immune responses. However, more high-quality evidence is needed to confirm these benefits.

How it works

*Prunella vulgaris* exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. It inhibits the proliferation and migration of thyroid cancer cell lines, potentially through autophagy-related mechanisms. The herb may also modulate immune responses by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is particularly relevant in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. At the molecular level, it interacts with autophagy-inducing kinases and autophagy-related proteins. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, these actions collectively contribute to its observed anti-inflammatory and potential antitumor effects, particularly within the thyroid gland.

Side effects

Generally, *Prunella vulgaris* is considered safe when used in traditional Chinese medicine at typical doses. However, comprehensive data on specific side effects are limited. Potential side effects may vary based on individual tolerance. Due to the limited data, caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Drug interactions are a concern, particularly with thyroid medications like levothyroxine, and concurrent use should be approached with caution. Patients with pre-existing thyroid conditions should consult healthcare providers before using *Prunella vulgaris*, as it may interact with their ongoing treatments. While no significant toxic effects have been reported at typical doses, comprehensive safety data are still needed.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of *Prunella vulgaris* is not well-established. Traditionally, it has been used in doses ranging from 30 to 60 grams per day. For therapeutic effects, larger doses (more than 30 grams) are typically used. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined, although some studies have used high doses without reported toxicity. Timing considerations are not specified and may depend on the condition being treated. *Prunella vulgaris* is often used as a whole herb or in combination with other herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Limited data are available on absorption factors. Due to the potential for interactions, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting *Prunella vulgaris*, especially if you have thyroid conditions or are taking thyroid medications.

FAQs

Is *Prunella vulgaris* safe to use if I have a thyroid condition?

Consult a healthcare provider before using *Prunella vulgaris*, especially if you have thyroid conditions or are taking thyroid medications, due to potential interactions.

Can *Prunella vulgaris* replace my conventional thyroid medication?

No, *Prunella vulgaris* is not a replacement for conventional thyroid treatments and should be used under medical supervision, potentially as a complementary therapy.

What are the expected benefits of using *Prunella vulgaris* for thyroid health?

Potential benefits include improved thyroid function and reduced nodule size when combined with conventional treatments, but results may vary based on individual health needs.

Are there any known drug interactions with *Prunella vulgaris*?

Yes, potential interactions with thyroid medications are possible, so caution is advised when combining *Prunella vulgaris* with drugs like levothyroxine.

Research Sources

https://farmaimpresa.com/en/prunella-vulgaris-treatment-for-thyroiditis-and-goiter/ – This article discusses the potential of *Prunella vulgaris* as a treatment for thyroiditis and goiter. It highlights the herb's traditional use and emerging research supporting its efficacy in managing thyroid-related conditions.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7738013/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of *Prunella vulgaris* augmentation therapy for thyroiditis and nodular goiter. The study, involving 499 patients across nine studies, found significant therapeutic effects with low heterogeneity, suggesting potential benefits when combined with conventional treatments, though the quality of evidence was noted as relatively low.
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wk/medi/2021/00000100/00000041/art00029 – This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of *Prunella vulgaris* in treating thyroid nodules, showing improved clinical efficacy when combined with levothyroxine. The study, involving 1468 patients across 13 RCTs, indicated reduced thyroid nodule diameter and improved thyroid function, though the quality of the included studies was uncertain.