Thyroid and Adrenal Gland Function Determine many aspects of health, wellness and overall energy. If there is a miscommunication between these and other glands, it can lead to interferences in health, such as weight gain, infertility, digestive disorders and mood disorders. The Natural Nurse, Ellen Kamhi, PhD RN explains the basic function and feedback mechanisms involved in gland communication, along with Natural Remedy Support.

1. Thyroid- Adrenals
The Energy Connection
http://cliparts.co/clipart/2468644

2. 2
Endocrine Organs
• Pituitary
• Pineal
• Pancreas
• Gonads
• Adrenal
• Thyroid
• Parathyroid

3. Functional Organization of Endocrine
System

4. Metabolic Disruption
3 Primary Components
1
Intestinal
Food/Dysbiosis
3
Environmental
Toxicity
2
Stress/
Inflammation
Neuro-Endocrine-Immune
Balance

5. THREE CRITICAL FUNCTIONS
HORMONES EFFECTING METABOLISM
Adrenal
ThyroidPancreas

6. 34-6
target tissues
The endocrine system includes the organs of the body
that secrete hormones directly into body fluids such
as blood
– Regulates chemical reaction in cells and therefore control
functions of the organs, tissues, and other cells
Glands
secrete
hormones
into
bloodstream
to

7. Hormone (Ligand) Interaction with Target Tissues
• Portion of molecule where ligand
binds is called binding site.
• If the molecule is a receptor (like in
a cell membrane) the binding site is
called a receptor site
• Ligand/receptor site is specific; e.g.,
epinephrine cannot bind to the
receptor site for insulin.
• The purpose of binding to target
tissue is to elicit a response by the
target cell.

8. 8
Adrenal Gland

9. 9
Adrenal Medulla
• Derived from
ectoderm.
• Contains chromaffin
cells
(pheochromocytes)

10. Adrenal Medulla
• Secretory products are neurohormones: epinephrine and
norepinephrine
• Prepares body for physical activity- FLIGHT OR FIGHT
• Effects are short-lived; hormones rapidly metabolized
• Epinephrine
– Increases blood levels of glucose
– Increases fat breakdown in adipose tissue
– Causes dilation of blood vessels in skeletal muscles and cardiac
muscles.
• Epinephrine and norepinephrine increase heart rate and force of
contraction; cause blood vessels to constrict

12. Regulation of Cortisol Secretion

13. The Adrenal Hormones Cortisol and
DHEA influence:
• Insomnia
• Migraine headaches
• Obesity
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Ulcers
• Weak immune system
• Energy levels
• Emotional states
• Resistance to disease
• General sense of well-being
• Metabolism
• Anti-inflammatory
response
• Thyroid function
• Resistance to stress
• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Cardiovascular disease
• Celiac disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression
• Hypoglycemia
• High blood pressure
DHEA and cortisol are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, exhibit many opposing actions

14. Cortisol:
Cortisol mobilizes reserves. It is released in large amounts in response to physical,
physiological, and/or psychological stress.
When stressors persist, the secretion of glucocorticoids can be prolonged, leading to
maladaptation of the adrenal cortex and adrenal hyperplasia.
Excess cortisol can adversely affect:
Bone and muscle tissue
Cardiovascular function
Sleep
Thyroid function
Weight control
Glucose regulation
Immune defense
Aging
Over time, cortisol secretion can become impaired, resulting in the inability to respond to
stress as demonstrated in conditions as:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Allergies
Menstrual problems
Arthritis

15. Figure 16.15
Stress and the Adrenal Gland

16. http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v15/n12/fig_tab/nn.3270_F1.html

17. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Balances the body’s stress response.
Provides substrate for the synthesis of sex hormones
Guards against degenerative conditions associated with aging
Influences immune function and energy production
Affects insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, protein synthesis
Imbalances of DHEA have been associated with:
Impaired immunity
Depression
Insulin resistance
Cancer
Panic disorder
Obesity
Alzheimer’s disease
Cardiovascular disease

18. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
DHEA levels can be raised through exercise, proper diet, stress reduction and specific
energy work, such as Stimulating The Ring Of Fire
DHEA- ‘androgenous’ precursor to both male and female hormones.
DHEA levels- high in the teens and early twenties, decreases with advanced age.
DHEA- supports sexual health
• Anti- aging
• enhanced energy,
• accelerated sex drive in men and women,
• better sleep, happier mood and feeling less ‘stressed’.
DHEA level should be measured through a saliva test before taking supplements. Begin
supplemental if DHEA-sulfate is less than 100ng/ml
DHEA can have side effects- facial hair growth in women and acne, insomnia and irritability in
both sexes.
Dean CE. Prasterone (DHEA) and mania. Ann Pharmacother. Dec2000;34(12):1419-22
Hackbert L, Heiman JR.
Acute dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women. J Womens
Health Gend Based Med. Mar2002;11(2):155-62.

19. Adrenocortex Stress Profile
www.GDX.NET
Genova Labs
Adrenocortex Stress Profile is a powerful and precise noninvasive salivary
hormone test that evaluates bioactive levels of the body's important stress
hormones, cortisol and DHEA.
This hormone test (stress test) serves as a critical tool for uncovering
biochemical imbalances underlying anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue
syndrome, obesity, dysglycemia, and a host of other clinical conditions. This
hormone test examines 4 saliva samples over a 24-hour period for levels of
cortisol and DHEA.

20. The Adrenals and Toxicity
• The adrenal cortex is the site where most mercury
vapor is oxidized to active ions
• Mercury depletes the concentration of cytochrome
P-450, which helps convert cholesterol to
pregnenolone
• Mercury denatures the 21-a-hydroxylase, needed for
normal cortisol production

21. The Adrenals and Toxicity
• Lead, mercury and cadmium inhibit adenyl cyclase
• Adenyl cyclase catalyzes synthesis of cAMP from ATP
• cAMP co-factor for enzymes in the adrenal cortex
and the pituitary

22. Adrenal Function
GOAL: restore natural rhythm to adrenal
output during day and appropriate reduction
into night.
Determine status of neurotransmitters and
energy shifts, memory and stamina to
determine how much nutrient support is
needed .

24. 24
Thyroid Gland

25. 25
Thyroid
• Two types of cells
• Follicular
• Parafollicular

26. • There are two biologically active thyroid
hormones:
- tetraiodothyronine (T4; usually called thyroxine)
- triiodothyronine (T3)
• Derived from modification of an amino acid
(tyrosine)
Thyroid Hormones

27. O OH
I
I
II
OH
O
NH2
Thyroxine (T4)
O OH
I
I
I
OH
O
NH2
3,5,3’-Triiodothyronine (T3)
THYROID HORMONES
Tyrosine

28. • The thyroid secretes about 80 micrograms of T4, but only
5 micrograms of T3 per day.
• However, T3 has a much greater biological activity (about
10X) than T4.
• An additional 25 micrograms/day of T3 is produced by
peripheral monodeiodination of T4.
T4
thyroid
I-
T3
Differences between T4 and T3

29. • T3 has much greater biological activity than T4.
• A large amount of T4 (25%) is converted to T3 in
peripheral tissues.
• This conversion takes place mainly in the liver and
kidneys.
• The T3 formed is then released to the blood stream.
Conversion of T4 to T3

30. Thyroid hormone synthesis
Thyroxine and its precursors: Structure & Synthesis

31. Biosynthesis of Thyroid Hormones

32. • The rate of iodine uptake and incorporation into
thyroglobulin is influenced by the amount of
iodide available:
- low iodide levels increase iodine transport into
follicular cells
- high iodide levels decrease iodine transport into
follicular cells
Thus, there is negative feedback regulation of iodide
transport by iodide.
Autoregulation of Thyroid Hormone Production

33. • The thyroid gland is capable of storing many
weeks worth of thyroid hormone (coupled to
thyroglobulin).
• If no iodine is available for this period, thyroid
hormone secretion will be maintained.
One Major Advantage of this System

34. Regulation of T3 and T4 Secretion

35. T3 & T4 Control Pathways
& Diseases from Malfunction

37. • Required for GH and prolactin production & secretion
• Required for GH action
• Increases intestinal glucose reabsorption (glucose
transporter)
• Increases mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (ATP
production)
• Increases activity of adrenal medulla (sympathetic;
glucose production)
• Induces enzyme synthesis
• Result: stimulation of growth of tissues and increased
metabolic rate.
Actions of Thyroid Hormones

38. • Thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth
of tissues, including the nervous system.
• Lack of thyroid hormone during development
results in short stature and mental deficits
(cretinism).
• Thyroid hormone stimulates basal metabolic rate.
Actions of Thyroid Hormones

39. Cardiovascular system: increases heart rate, cardiac contractility
cardiac output, promotes vasodilation, enhances blood flow to
organs
Central nervous system: Both decreased and increased
concentrations of thyroid hormones lead to alterations in
mental state. Too little thyroid hormone, and the individual
tends to feel mentally sluggish, while too much induces anxiety
and nervousness.
Reproductive system: Normal reproductive behavior and
physiology is dependent on having essentially normal levels of
thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism in particular is commonly
associated with infertility.
Actions of Thyroid Hormones:

40. Protein synthesis and degradation:
-increased protein synthesis at low thyroid hormone levels
(low metabolic rate; growth)
-increased protein degradation at high thyroid hormone levels
(high metabolic rate; energy)
Carbohydrates:
-low doses of thyroid hormone increase glycogen synthesis
(low metabolic rate; storage of energy)
- high doses increase glycogen breakdown (high metabolic rate;
glucose production)
Lipids: Increased thyroid hormone levels stimulate fat
mobilization
plasma concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides are
inversely correlated with TH levels.
Effects of Thyroid Hormone

41. • Pumps sodium and potassium across cell membranes to
maintain resting membrane potential
• Activity of the Na+/K+ pump uses up energy, in the form of
ATP
• About 1/3rd of all ATP in the body is used by the Na+/K+
ATPase
• T3 increases the synthesis of Na+/K+ pumps, markedly
increasing ATP consumption.
• T3 also acts on mitochondria to increase ATP synthesis
The resulting increased metabolic rate increases
thermogenesis (heat production).
The Sodium/Potassium ATPase Pump

42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-imDC1txWw
Activity of the Na+/K+ pump uses up energy, in the
form of ATP
https://www.premedhq.com/2013/11/mcat-sodium-potassium-pump.html

43. • Early onset: delayed/incomplete physical and mental
development
• Later onset (youth): Impaired physical growth
• Adult onset (myxedema) : gradual changes occur.
Tiredness, lethargy, decreased metabolic rate, slowing
of mental function and motor activity, cold intolerance,
weight gain, goiter, hair loss, dry skin. Eventually
may result in coma.
• Many causes (insufficient iodine ( least likely), lack of
thyroid gland, lack of hormone receptors,
Autoimmune issues- Hashimoto)
Thyroid Hormone Deficiency: Hypothyroidism
http://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/thyroid-gland-function
Considerations in testing an diagnosis:

44. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
% of cases
• Weakness 99
• Dry skin 97
• Coarse skin 97
• Lethargy 91
• Slow speech 91
• Edema of eyelids 90
• Cold hands and feet 89
• Decreased sweating 89
• Cold Skin 83
• Memory Impairment 66
• Constipation 61
• Weight gain 59
• Loss of hair 57
• Pallor of lips 57
• Dyspnea 55
• Peripheral edema 55
• Hoarseness or aphonia 55
• Anorexia 45
*BMJ 1997;314:1175 (19 April)

45. Thyroid Function and Nutrition
• Poor thyroid function slows the metabolism of carbohydrates,
fats and proteins, which leads to depleted energy and weight
gain
• Hypothyroidism is associated with insufficient HCL
production by the parietal cells
• Lack of HCL alters the ability of pepsin to break down amino
acids and tyrosine can not be obtained for the synthesis of
thyroid hormone

46. • Emotional symptoms (nervousness, irritability), fatigue,
heat intolerance, elevated metabolic rate, weight loss,
tachycardia, goiter, muscle wasting, apparent bulging of
eyes, may develop congestive heart failure.
• Also due to many causes (excessive TSH release,
autoimmune disorders,…)
Thyroid Hormone Excess: Hyperthyroidism

47. Graves' disease:A condition usually caused by
excessive production of thyroid hormone and
characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland,
protrusion of the eyeballs, a rapid heartbeat, and
nervous excitability. Also called exophthalmic
goiter.

50. Thyroid Testing• TSH
• Free T4
• free T3
• RT3 (optional) (Reverse T3 is the third-most common iodothyronine the thyroid
gland releases into the bloodstream; 95% of rT3 in human blood is made
elsewhere in the body, as enzymes remove a iodine atom from T4)
• TPO (thyroperoxidase),
• Antibodies
• 24 hour iodine urine excretion optional
• Cortisol (serum, 4 point Salivary),
• 2hr p.p. insulin (“2-hour post-glucose insulin level”)
• If TPO or Antibodies present:
√Heavy metals
√Food allergies incl. antigliadin/gluten/dairy
√Institute Leaky Gut Protocol
√ Consider Neurotransmitter panel for hyperexcitability

51. THYROID TEST RESULTS AND INTERPRETATIONS:
High TSH , normal T4 and T3 Conventional- Synthroid
Wholistic- no intervention
High TSH, normal T4 and low T3 Conventional- Synthroid
Wholistic – difficulty converting T4 into T3- changing your diet
by including more foods with iodine and selenium and use a
natural supplement with those nutrients
High TSH, low T4 and low T3 Conventional-Synthroid
Wholistic Synthroid, diet change, natural supplement and a
natural prescription ( Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid,
Westhroid)
Normal TSH, low T4 and low T3 Conventional Synthroid, Wholistic
Synthroid, change in diet, natural supplement and/or a natural thyroid
prescription.
Normal TSH, high T4, normal T 3 secondary hypothyroidism – new diet,
supplement and natural prescription.
Slightly elevated TSH , normal T4, normal T 3 - subclinical hypothyroidism
and future repeat testing may be necessary.

52. Synthroid vs Armour Thyroid
• Synthroid contains Thyroxine also called T4, which
is identical hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine
is the generic form of Synthroid. Common brand names include
Thyrax, Euthyrox, Levaxin, L-thyroxine, Eltroxin and Thyrax Duotab
in Europe; Thyrox in South Asia; Eutirox, Levoxyl and Synthroid in
North America. Strictly speaking, Synthroid is bio-identical, even
though it is synthetic
• Natural Thyroid (Nature-Throid or Westhroid ) made from
desiccated porcine (pig) thyroid glands which contain Thyroxine
(T4), T3, T2, T1 and Calcitonin. Marketed under the name
armourthyroid for many years. Not available currently.

53. THYROID TEST RESULTS AND INTERPRETATIONS:
High levels of Anti-TPO or Anti-TG suggest
Hashimoto's and/or Grave's Disease.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis - autoimmune disease in
which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed
by the immune system.
The resulting inflammation often leads to an
underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)-
linked to gluten containing foods, though not
related to Celiac Disease. This disorder is
believed to be the most common cause of
primary hypothyroidism in North America.

54. Thyroid Function and Toxicity
Toxins that interfere with thyroid function
• Yeast/fungal endotoxins
• Food antigens
• Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium )
• Pesticides
• Halogens (fluorine, chlorine)

55. Pesticides as Endocrine Disrupters
• Hormone mimicry- chemicals bind with receptor
sites and trigger cellular activity
• Hormone masking- chemicals bind with receptor
sites and block hormonal activity

56. Pesticides and Thyroid Function
• A literature review of effects of synthetic chemicals (DDT,
amitrole, thiocarbamates, ethylenethiourea, polyhalogenated
hydrocarbons, phenol derivatives and phthlates) on thyroid.
• Results: 1. Mild thyroid disruption in adult humans with
occupational or accidental exposures 2. Several studies
linked compromised neurological function in infants and
children with high background levels of exposure to PCB’s,
dioxins, and/or other contaminants. Effects could be due to
thyroid disruption or direct neurotoxicity.
Brucker-Davis F. Effects of environmental synthetic chemicals on thyroid function. Thyroid. 1998
Sep;8(9):827-56

57. Pesticides and Thyroid Function
• Potential effects of common persistent pollutants that contaminate food,
water and air on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis – a rat study: A
mixture of 16 common organochlorines were administered at minimum
risk levels or tolerable daily intakes. All examined endpoints were
significantly altered, with TSH significantly increased, and hepatic outer
ring deiodinase significantly decreased with a 1x dose and showed dose
related increases in severity with increasing dose. Median thyroid follicle
cross sectional area was significantly reduced relative to control. Wade
MG, et al. Toxicol Sci 2002 Jun;67(2):207-18.
• Bottom Line – Low doses of ubiquitous
environmental contaminants can interfere with
thyroid function.

58. Pesticides and Thyroid Function
• Effects of PCB’s and organochlorinated
pesticides on the thyroid in long term heavy
exposure in adults: Results – all thyroid
volumes were significantly higher than in the
control area.
J Occup Environ Med 2003 May,4595):526-32

59. ADRENAL & THYROID
NATURAL INTERVENTIONS

63. CASTOR OIL PACK
GEMSTONE THERAPY
YOGA- Thyroid Compression- Shoulder Stand/Fish

64. Nutrients that Support
Adrenal Function
• Vitamin C
• B Vitamins
• Calcium and
magnesium
• Zinc, selenium, copper
• Sodium
• Manganese
• Schisandra
• Adrenal gland
• Rhodiola
• Relora
• Phosphorylated Serine
• Licorice Root

65. Emerging Natural Therapies
for
Stress Related Health Risks
Relora™
Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea
5 HTP 5-hydroxytryptophan
Melatonin
Theanine
Seditol

66. Relora™
• Proprietary blend of Magnolia officinalis and
Phellodendron amurense
• marketed for stress-related appetite control
and reduction of stress-related fat deposition

67. Relora™
• anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties rival
benzodiazapenes, yet non-sedating
• anti-depressant properties
• normalizes cortisol and DHEA levels
• low side-effect profile

68. Relora™
Unpublished human trial results:
• 200 mg TID for two weeks
• 50 subjects
• 227% increase in salivary DHEA
• 37% reduction in morning salivary cortisol

69. Relora™
• 78% reported feeling relaxed
• 94% reported no GI complaints
• toxicity study in animals found that doses as
high as 5g/kg yielded only mild side effects

70. Magnolia Extract
Human Trials:
• patented Magnolia extract has been studied by an
independent research organization in 3 open trials (150
subjects total), 1 open cortisol study (12 subjects), and a
placebo-controlled clinical trial (30 subjects). The patented
Magnolia extract significantly improved the quality of sleep.

71. Magnolia binds to several important targets
associated with drowsiness:
0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 70.00 80.00 90.00
Adenosine A1
Adrenergic Alpha2 Non-selective
GABA A Agonist Site
GABA A Benzodiazepine Central
Glutamate AMPA Site
Glutamate NMDA Agonist Site
Glutamate Transport
Norepinephrine Transporter
Serotonin 5-HT1
Serotonin Non-selective
Serotonin Transporter

72. Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
• “second generation” plant adaptogen-similar to the
adaptogenic effects of the ginsengs
• studied and used in Russia for over 30 years to
combat climactic and environmental stress
• used to enhance physical and mental performance of
athletes and cosmonauts

73. Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
• Initial studies revealed cardioprotective benefits
• limits adrenergic effects on heart during stress
• reduces catecholamines during alarm phase of stress
and after intense exercise
• may influence levels
of monoamines and
beta-endorphins

74. Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
• Shown to stimulate NK cell activity
• improves T-cell immunity
• tumorocidal and anti-metastatic in
experimental models
Source: Udinestev SN,Shakhov VP., “The role of humoral factors of regenerating liver in the
development of experimental tumors and the effect of Rhodiola rosea extract on this
process”, Neoplasma 38(3) (1991):323-31

75. Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
2000 published double-blind, placebo-controlled,
crossover trial:
• 56 male and female night shift physicians treated
for (3) two week periods
• 20% improvement in Fatigue Index (mental
performance, short-term memory, calculation,
concentration, a-v perception)
Source: Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, et al., “Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue--a double-blind cross-over
study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low dose regimen on the mental performance
of healthy physicians during night duty”, Phytomedicine 7(5) (Oct 2000): 365-71.

76. Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea
• Extract should contain minimum 2.5% rosavin
and 1% salidroside
• Dose 150-200 mg daily

77. 5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP)
• 5-HTP is the precursor for serotonin
• Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates
sleep, mood, satiety, and even pain tolerance.
• Stress leads to significant loss of serotonin
• When serotonin levels are low, it can lead to
carbohydrate cravings.

78. 5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP)
• Dosage Range: 25-300mg
• Precursor to serotonin
• Influences the synthesis of melatonin
• Reported to increase levels of brain dopamine
and nor epinephrine

79. Melatonin
• Dosage: Melatonin (99.6% pure) 1-6mg at bedtime
for insomnia
• Is a potent antioxidant
• Relieves symptoms of jet lag
• Used as an oral contraceptive in high doses (Japan)
• May adversely affect sleep patterns with
headaches, slowed reaction time, nightmares, or
mild depression
• Caution in use with autoimmune disorders?
• Helps reduce Kainic Acid (seizures)

80. L-Theanine
• An amino acid found in green tea - acts antagonistically
against the stimulatory effects of caffeine in the tea on the
nervous system.
• Increases GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid), inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the brain, the brain’s natural sedative; it
balances the excitability that can sometimes lead to
restlessness, insomnia, and other disruptive conditions
• Increases levels of dopamine
• Increases alpha waves

81. L-Theanine
Effects of L-theanine on the release of -brain waves in
human volunteers. Nippon Noegik Kaishi 72:153-57.
https://astp.jst.go.jp/modules/search/DocumentDetail/0002-1407_72_2_Effects+of+L-
Theanine+on+the+Release+of+.ALPHA.-Brain+Waves+in+Human+Volunteers._N%252FA
Anti-stress effect of theanine on students during
pharmacy practice: positive correlation among salivary
α-amylase activity, trait anxiety and subjective stress.
Unno K(1), et, al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013
Oct;111:128-35. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.09.004.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24051231

82. L-Theanine
• Non- sedating
• Dosage - 50-200 mg 1-2 times/day
• No toxicity or reported side effects
• There are no dietary limits on L-theanine
intake by the Japan Food Additive Association.

83. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Glycosides: Saponins
Glycosides:
Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid)
Liquiritin
83

84. Glycosides: Saponins
• Isoliquiritigenin :
- inhibits aldose reductase : may reduce
diabetic neuropathy
- inhibits MAO (Monoamine oxidase): may
support mood balance
• Licochalcones: anti-parasitic: eg. Leishmania
has been used for malaria…
• Butein, isoliquiritigenin : stops growth of
melanoma cells in vitro
LG
Licorice Root
84

85. Glycosides: Saponins
• Liquiritigenin (a flavonoid) & its
glycoside, liquiritin, contribute to the
anti-inflammatory & antispasmodic
action of Licorice
• May also be involved in
ulcer-healing properties
• Antimicrobial
• MAO inhibitor
LG
Licorice Root
85

86. Glycosides: Saponins
• Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizinic acid): main triterpenoid
saponin in root
• Anti-inflammatory (synergistic with the flavonoids)
• Inhibits secretion of stomach acid
• Inhibits deactivation of cortisol
• Responsible for raising blood pressure w/excess
ingestion ( sodium & water retention, potassium
excretion, diuresis)
• Immunostimulating, antihepatotoxic, antiviral
LG
Licorice Root
86

87. Glycosides: Saponins
Glycyrrhetinic acid
• antitussive
• flavoring agent-
masks bitter taste,
used in Chinese
formulas for this
purpose
• anti-inflammatory
• relieves peptic ulcers-
inhibits gastric
secretion but
stimulates pancreatic
and mucous secretion
Licorice Root
87

88. Glycosides: Saponins
• The structure of glycyrrhetinic acid is
similar to that of cortisone.
• Both molecules are flat and similar at
position 3 and 11.
• This might be the basis for licorice's anti-
inflammatory action.
Licorice Root
88

89. Glycosides: Saponins
• Cortisone • Glycyrrhitinic acid
89

90. Nutrients needed for Thyroid Function
• Iodine
• L-tyrosine
• Chromium
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Zinc
• Copper
• L- Carnitine
• Other nutrients
• Thyroid glandular
• Guggul
• Ashwaganda
• Eurycoma Longifolia
• Coleus Forskohli

91. Ashwaganda
Withania somniferum
• Standardized to 1.5% withanolides per dose
• Dosage: 250mg-500mg (standardized extract) two to
three times a day
• No known toxicity
• Increases T4 levels
• Do not use in pregnancy due to potential
abortifacient effects
• Use with caution with narcotics, anxiolytics, and
sedatives

92. Ashwaganda
Withania somniferum
• Reported to have tonic or adaptogenic effects similar
to panax ginseng
A. Grandhi, et al., “A Comparative Pharmacological Investigation of Ashwagandha and Ginseng,”
J Ethnopharmaco 44(3) (Dec1994) : 131-35.
• Prevented myelosuppression in mice treated with
three immunosuppressive drugs
M. Ziauddin, et al., “Studies on the Immunomodulatory Effects of Ashwagandha,” J
Ethnopharmacol 50(2) (Feb1996) : 69-76.

93. Ashwaganda
Withania somniferum
• Rich in iron – increases hemoglobin and RBC count
• Use in moderation in men with known cardiovascular
risk
• Reported to increase sexual performance in men
• Reported useful in opiate withdrawal and addiction
treatment

94. Bacopa
(Bacopa monniera)
• Standardized to 20% bacosides A and B per dose
• Dosage: 50-150mg (standardized extract) two to
three times a day
• Used since the 6th century AD
• Reported to have cognition-enhancing benefits

95. Bacopa
(Bacopa monniera)
• Traditionally used for epilepsy and mental illness
• Used to improve memory and mental capacities
• Enhances nerve impulse transmission, strengthening
memory and general cognition

96. Bacopa
(Bacopa monniera)
In a brightness-discrimination reaction, bacopa
improved acquisition, retention, and delayed loss of
the new behavior. Bacopa-treated animals learned
more quickly and were fully adapted after 20 days,
whereas controls had not adapted.
H. K. Singh, et al., “Effect of Bacopa monniera Linn. (Brahmi) Extract on Avoidance
Responses in Rat,” J Ethnopharmacol 5(2) (Mar 1982) : 205-14.

97. Bacopa
(Bacopa monniera)
• Reported to improve intellectual behavior in children
• Effective in reducing anxiety in adults
• Allows improved brain functioning in terms of
memory enhancement and elevated mental
performance
• Effective against lipid peroxidation in vitro
• Useful in improving seizure symptoms
• Increases serum thyroid concentrations

98. Bacopa
(Bacopa monniera)
A four-week open trial in India conducted on 35
adult patients with anxiety neurosis reported
significant improvement in concentration and
immediate memory span. On the job mental fatigue
and errors committed per unit time also improved.
R. H. Singh, L. Singh, “Studies on the Anti-anxiety Effect of the Medyha Rasayana
Drug, Brahmi (Bacopa monniera Wettst.)-part1,” J Res Ayur Siddha 1 (1980) : 133-
48.

99. Bacopa
(Bacopa monniera)
A single-blind trial in India conducted to study the
effects of bacopa on children (ages 6-8) and learning
behavior reported improvements in maze learning,
immediate memory and perception, and reaction/
performance times.
R. Sharma, et al., “Efficacy of Bacopa monniera in Revitalizing Intellectual Functions
in Children,” J Res Edu Ind Med 1 (1987) : 1-12.

100. Noni (morinda sp.)
• Proxeronine compounds are present
• Xeronine: regulates rigidity and shape of
proteins and enzymes
• Improves T killer cells
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Improves structural binding of hormones to
receptor sites.

101. Duppy Soursop Native NONI