Influences on thyroid and ovarial function

Abstract: Only a few medicinal plants are used because of their endocrine efficacy. Nevertheless effects of plants on the endocrinum are not quite rare. This becomes evident, when the great number of plants is considered which is used for birthcontrol in the Red Indian, Chinese and Indian medicine. In the forties and fifties of this century a large number of investigations on the anticonceptive effects of plants has been published. When PINCUS (1958) reported the contraceptive effects of a combination of ethinylestradiol and gestagen, the interest in such herbal preparations decreased. The pill was so effective, that the search for other methods of contraception almost stopped. Indeed a considerable number of medicinal plants exhibit endocrine efficacy. Efficacy does not mean short-lasting effects on hormonal parameters, which are compensated by antiregulation on the hypophyseal, hypothalamic or peripheral level. Such short-lasting influences on the endocrine system relatively often can not be demonstrated after repeated application. This article reviews effects of plant extracts on endocrine regulations (e.g. regulations of thyroid and ovarial functions) which are distinct also after longtime application. Plants mentioned among others are Brassica spp., Juglans regia, Glyzine max, Cassava, representatives of the Brassicaceae, Linium usitatissimum, Lycopus europaeus, Vitex agnus-castus, Cimifuga racemosa, Discorea sativa var., Lygodium dichotomum, Mallotus sp., Mentha sp., Phlox stansburyl, Pisum sativum, Populus alba, Prunus emarginata, Rhus triloba, Ricinus communis, Rosmarinus officinalis and Salix sp.

Keyword(s): Thyroid function

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