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Effect of Persian Clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) Extract on Thyroid Hormones in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial
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Pezhman Sharifi1    , Sima Tozandehjani2 , Mohammad Aziz Rasouli3 , Khaled Emamzanbili1 , Shahnaz Ghafouri4 |
1- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
2- Texas Tech University, School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
3- Clinical Research Development Center, Kowsar Hospital, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
4- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran , drghafoorish76@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (15 Views) |
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism represents a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting metabolic homeostasis. Trifolium resupinatum L. is a medicinal plant traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties. This study evaluated the effects of its hydroalcoholic extract on thyroid hormone profiles in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared from dried T. resupinatum samples, and bioactive compounds were identified via GC-MS analysis. In a randomized clinical trial, 51 patients were allocated into two groups: the intervention group (n=25) received extract (500 mg/day) alongside levothyroxine, while the control group (n=26) received levothyroxine plus placebo. Following three months of treatment, serum TSH, total T3, and total T4 levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS.
Results: GC-MS analysis identified phenolic compounds as principal constituents of the extract (14.62%). Extract administration significantly elevated total T4 levels (P<0.001) and reduced TSH concentrations (P=0.04) compared with controls. No significant changes in total T3 were observed (P=0.42).
Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of T. resupinatum demonstrates potential as adjunctive therapy with levothyroxine in subclinical hypothyroidism management through modulation of TSH and T4 levels, thereby improving thyroid function.
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| Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Trifolium resupinatum L., Hydroalcoholic extract, Thyroid hormones, Medicinal plants |
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Internal Medicine
Received: 2025/11/12 | Accepted: 2026/05/5
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