Objectives: This study reviewed experimental studies on the effects of herbal medicines in treating hyperthyroidism.
Methods: We analyzed the experimental studies of herbal medicines done in Korea to treat hyperthyroidism that have been reported since 2000 by searching 4 Korean databases with the keyword “hyperthyroidism”.
Results: Two single herbal medicines and 15 complex herbal medicines were used in 15 experimental studies. There was 1 clinical study and 14 nonclinical studies, among them, 2 in vitro experiments and 12 in vivo experiments. It was confirmed that the herbal medicines used have improving effects on hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the oversupplied thyroid hormones and hypermetabolic symptoms.
Conclusions: There should be further studies on the antioxidative effects and acting mechanisms of herbal medicines and more clinical studies on hyperthyroidism.