Research Article

The Utilization of Chinese Herbal Products for Hyperthyroidism in National Health Insurance System (NHIRD) of Taiwan: A Population-Based Study

Table 4

Possible mechanisms of action or effects of frequently used CHPs for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Formula CHPsComponentsMechanisms or effects

Jia-Wei-Xia-Yao-SanRadix Bupleurum chinensis
Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae
Radix Paeoniae alba
Radix Angelica sinensis
Radix Glycyrrhizae
Poria cocos
Radix Glycyrrhizae
Radix Glycyrrhizae
Herba Menthae
Cortex Moutan
Fructus Gardeniae
Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens
Sedative and antidepressive effects [32]; decreases the cardiovascular manifestations of hyperthyroidism [33]; maintains a euthyroid state in patients with hyperthyroidism [15]

Zhi-Gan-Cao TangPanax ginseng
Cinnamomum cassia Presl
Zingiber officinale Rosc.
Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch
Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f.) Ker-Gawl.
Cannabis sativa L.
Colla corii asini
Radix Glycyrrhiza
Treatment for premature ventricular contractions [36]; prolongs field action potential duration in patients with atrial fibrillation [37]; decreases supraventricular arrhythmia and premature ventricular contraction [38]

Tian-Wang-Bu-Xin-DanRehmannia glutinosa
Angelica sinensis
Schisandra chinensis
Ziziphus zizyphus
Platycladus orientalis
Asparagus cochinchinensis
Ophiopogon japonicus
Scrophularia ningpoensis
Polygala tenuifolia
Salvia miltiorrhiza
Codonopsis pilosula
Poria coco
Platycodon grandiflorum
Improving insomnia [39]

Zhi-Bo-Di-Huang-WanAnemarrhena asphodeloides
Phellodendron amurense
Rehmannia glutinosa
Cornus officinalis
Dioscorea polystachya
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Poria cocos
Cortex Moutan Radicis
Improving clinical symptoms, serum thyroid hormone levels, and serum antioxidant activity indexes in hyperthyroidism [40]

Zhen-Ren-Huo-Ming-YinLonicerae japonicae flos
Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium
Angelicae sinensis Radix
Saposhnikoviae Radix
Angelicae dahuricae Radix
Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma
Fritillariae ussuriensis bulbus
Trichosanthis Radix
Olibanum
Myrrha
Gleditsiae Spina
Ameliorating thymic enlargement in hyperthyroidism [41]

Single CHPs

Xia-Ku-CaoPrunella vulgarisReduces swelling and resolves hard lumps; possesses antitumor and possible immunomodulation effects [42]; possesses anti-inflammatory effects and is used to treat diseases due to excessive activation of the complement system [43, 44]

Dan-ShenRadix Salviae miltiorrhizaeExhibits antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antiadipogenic effects [45]; used to treat Graves’ orbitopathy [46, 47]

Xuan-ShenScrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.Possesses potent antioxidative activity [48] and antiangiogenic activity [49, 50]

Bei-MuBulbus Fritillariae cirrhosaePossesses selective activity against muscarinic receptors and influences secretions from the thyroid gland [51]

Mu-LiOyster shellSoftens hardness and dissipates nodules according to TCM theory; treatment for subacute thyroiditis and hyperthyroid heart disease [52, 53]