Therapeutic Efficacy of Fucus vesiculosus Methanolic Extract in Propylthiouracil-Induced Hypothyroidism in Rats
Abstract
Hypothyroidism, characterized by deficient thyroid hormone production, is a significant global health issue, with a high prevalence in India. This study evaluates the methanolic extract of Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack) in ameliorating propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in Wistar albino rats. Administered at lower (200 mg/kg) and higher (400 mg/kg) doses, the extract was compared to levothyroxine (LT4). Assessments included serum thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), lipid profile, renal and liver function markers, blood glucose, total protein, and thyroid histopathology. The high-dose extract significantly restored thyroid function, reduced metabolic disturbances, and improved thyroid tissue structure, approaching LT4’s efficacy. Its bioactive compounds, including iodine, selenium, flavonoids, and fucoidans, underpin these effects, suggesting Fucus vesiculosus as a promising complementary therapy.