Effectiveness of Panchagavya-Based Therapy in the Management of Thyroid Disorders Among Indian Womens

Thyroid dysfunction is the second most prevalent endocrine disorder globally, affecting 300 million people worldwide and 42 million in India  [1]. Recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data indicate a rising domestic prevalence from 2.2% to 2.9%, with women in their reproductive years facing a three- to four-fold higher risk than men [2]. To address this burden, over 70% of India's rural population utilizes Ayurveda, a globally recognized system valued for long-term metabolic management [3].Within this framework, "Cowpathy" or Panchagavya therapy employs five bovine derivatives—milk, ghee, urine, dung, and curd—to leverage their unique therapeutic properties [4]. Although classical texts do not explicitly define the thyroid, conditions such as  Galaganda and Gandamala offer direct symptomatic parallels, highlighting the potential of these natural resources in managing hypothyroidism [5]. Clinically, thyroid pathologies are viewed as manifestations of Agni Vaishamyata (metabolic imbalance) [6]. Hypothyroidism is categorized by Dosha dominance and impaired digestion (Mandagni), whereas hyperthyroidism is primarily attributed to Pitta aggravation [7].Ayurvedic physiology emphasizes that homeostasis is maintained through the equilibrium of Agni, Tridoshas, and Dhatus; the thyroid, situated in the Kantha (neck), is governed by these factors [8]. While hyperthyroidism lacks a precise classical name, its associated metabolic acceleration aligns it with fire-related disorders such as Tikshnagni or Bhasmaka Roga, which fundamentally disrupt systemic stability [9]. The Ministry of Science and Technology in India continues to advance the national program known as Scientific Validation and Research on Panchagavya (SVAROP). This initiative is dedicated to the rigorous scientific evaluation of bovine-derived products and specifically assesses the therapeutic efficacy of Panchagavya therapy in managing thyroid disorders among patients in the Gadag district. This research underscores the government's commitment to validating traditional interventions through modern public health standards.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients with Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Patients who attended medical camps conducted by the university were included in the study.

• Patients aged 20–50 years who were ready to provide informed consent.

• No history of AIDS, cancer, inflammatory diseases, or autoimmune conditions.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Who are not willing to participate in the study and are absent during the data collection

 • Those below 20 and above 50 years of age.

 • Those who are critically ill, have any other disease or disorder, and are unable to respond.

 • Pregnant and lactating women

 • If there is a history of AIDS, cancer, inflammatory diseases, or autoimmune conditions

SOURCE OF DATA: Primary data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire.

SAMPLING DESIGN: Purposive sampling technique was used.

SAMPLING SIZE: Sample size is 50, according to Ayurvedic and Panchagavya experts' opinion, depending on the selected intervention and available time duration and resource availability.

INTERVENTION

• Tab Gounishamalaki 1-0-1 (Before food)- (Ingredients includes Gooseberry, Turmeric)

• Panchagavya sanjevini CTDS 2tsp -0- 2tsp (On empty stomach and bed time)

• Panchagavya grita for Nasya -2 drops each nostrils (Ingredients - cow products)

• Panchagavya grita for external application to the throat region.

DRUG SOURCE: Maa Gou Products Pvt. Ltd..

INVESTIGATION: Blood Investigation - Thyroid profile, Liver function test, renal function test

PILOT STUDY: A pilot study was conducted on August 16th and 21st at MGRDPRU, the school building in Nagavi and Shingataluru village of Gadag district, to assess the utility of the data collection tool prepared and to incorporate any changes required for the study.

OBSERVATIONAL PERIOD:

• Observations were made at baseline.

• Regular follow-up was performed on the 7th, 14th, 28th,45th, 60th, 75th,90th Day of the study period to assess the results of the intervention.

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Panchagavya treatment in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism among those who attended medical camps conducted by MGRDPRU, Gadag, and Sankalpa NGO in Gadag. The study was conducted using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire by interacting with patients after taking informed written consent from the participant.

ANALYSIS: The results are shown as frequencies and percentages after the data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed in terms of frequency and percentage. The efficacy of the Panchagavya products was evaluated using appropriate statistical methods.

ETHICAL APPROVAL: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Committee of KSRDPRU, Gadag, Ref. No: RDPRU /SEP /IEC /4 /2021/3

Table 2: Distribution of Socio-demographic details of study participants

The socio-demographic analysis of the 50-patient cohort (Table 2) revealed a study population composed exclusively of females (100%), with a bimodal age distribution peaking in the 20–25 (32 %) and 46–50 (22 %) year age brackets. The majority of participants were Hindu (88%), married (72%), and primarily engaged in physically demanding or domestic occupations, including daily wage labor (28%), agriculture (26%), and household management (24%). Educational attainment within the group is relatively limited, as 48% are either uneducated or have completed only primary schooling. Regarding lifestyle factors, most participants maintained a mixed diet (78%) and reported no addictions (70%); however, among those with behavioral habits, tobacco use (18%) and caffeine consumption (12%) were the most prevalent(Table 2).

Table 3: Distribution of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism among study participants

The clinical distribution of thyroid problems within the study cohort (Table 3) reflected a predominant burden of hypothyroidism, affecting 56% of the participants. Autoimmune-mediated thyroid failure and iodine-related imbalances remain highly prevalent. Conversely, hyperthyroidism was identified in 44% of the sample, representing a significant secondary demographic.

Fig. no. 1: Distribution of common clinical symptoms among study participants

Figure 1 illustrates the comparative distribution of clinical symptoms in the study participants before and after the intervention. In the baseline assessment, menstrual abnormalities   were the most prevalent clinical symptoms, affecting the majority of the cohort at 52% (n=26). Following the study intervention, the prevalence of this symptom decreased to 40%. This 12-percentage-point reduction suggests a positive clinical trend in stabilizing menstrual regularity among the participants during the study period.

Fig.No. 2 : Distribution of symptoms of Hyperthyroidism among study participants

Figure 2 delineates the baseline and post-intervention distributions of hyperthyroidism-associated symptoms, revealing variable clinical responses across the study cohort. While the prevalence of weight loss (10%) and diarrhea (4%) remained stationary, suggesting that these metabolic and gastrointestinal manifestations may require a more prolonged or alternative therapeutic approach, notable symptomatic improvement was observed in menstrual cycle irregularities (24% to 20%) and insomnia (12% to 8%). These 4-percentage-point reductions indicate a favorable, albeit modest, clinical response in stabilizing neuroendocrine functions during the study period, whereas the persistence of other symptoms highlights the complexity of achieving comprehensive symptomatic remission in hyperthyroidism.

Fig. No. 3: Distribution of clinical symptoms of Hypothyroidism among study participants

Figure 3 illustrates the comparative prevalence of hypothyroid-related clinical symptoms at baseline and after therapeutic intervention. The data demonstrated a significant clinical improvement in menstrual abnormalities, which decreased from 28% to 16%, and a slight reduction in fatigue from 16% to 14%, suggesting a positive response in hormonal regulation and metabolic energy levels. Conversely, the prevalence of hair loss (20%) and weight gain (20%) remained unchanged post-treatment, indicating that these specific integumentary and metabolic manifestations may be more refractory to short-term interventions or require a more extended period of euthyroid stability to show measurable regression. Overall, the intervention was most effective in addressing reproductive and systemic symptoms, whereas metabolic and dermatological indicators exhibited greater persistence.

Fig.no. 4 : Distribution of thyroid profile test among study participants

Fig.no. 5: Distribution of LFT and RFT test findings

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Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the comparative biochemical profiles of the 50 study participants, focusing on thyroid, hepatic, and renal parameters, before and after the intervention. The thyroid profile (Fig. 4) remained relatively stable, with marginal shifts in mean values: T3 increased slightly from 1.45 to 1.49, T4 decreased from 11.54 to 11.46, and TSH exhibited a minor downward trend from 5.34 to 5.23, suggesting a modest progression toward euthyroid stabilization. Regarding hepatic function (Fig. 5), total and indirect bilirubin levels remained nearly constant (0.49 to 0.48 and 0.46 to 0.45, respectively), while direct bilirubin showed an increase from 0.23 to 0.38, all remaining within the clinically acceptable range. Renal function markers (Fig. 5) also demonstrated stability, with serum creatinine levels rising slightly from 0.89 to 0.96 and blood uric acid levels decreasing from 4.96 to 4.8. Collectively, these findings indicate that the intervention was well tolerated without inducing adverse metabolic or systemic toxicity, maintaining homeostasis across primary organ systems while initiating subtle improvements in the thyroid axis.

Table 4: Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test Results for Thyroid Function (N=50)

The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test results demonstrate that the intervention significantly modulated thyroid function, yielding statistically significant shifts in Serum T3 (p=0.01p equals 0.01𝑝=0.01) and highly significant changes in Serum T4 (p<0.01p is less than 0.01𝑝<0.01), the latter exhibiting the strongest statistical deviation (Z=-4.100cap Z equals negative 4.100 𝑍=−4.100). While Serum TSH remained at the threshold of significance (p=0.05p equals 0.05 𝑝=0.05), the definitive changes in peripheral hormones (T3 and T4) suggest a meaningful physiological response that warrants further clinical evaluation to determine safety and long-term relevance. From a public health perspective, identifying traditional interventions that affect thyroid markers is critical for addressing prevalent endocrine disorders; however, these findings highlight the necessity for rigorous, large-scale validation to ensure that such treatments can be safely integrated into broader metabolic health strategies(Table 4).

Keeping an Indian breed cow at home and consuming its products could potentially help prevent several prevalent illnesses. It is usual procedure for patients to undergo Shodhana (purifying) therapy prior to receiving Ayurvedic medication. In this study, we used cow urine, which has the capacity to infiltrate any minute channel of the body. Consequently, we decided to forego the conventional Shodhana activity. Laboratory tests, such as LFT, RFT, and TFT, were performed, and changes were observed after the intervention. No similar studies have been conducted; therefore, there is a lack of data for comparison.

The demographic analysis of the current study revealed that the highest concentration of female participants (32%) fell within the 20–25 age bracket, with the research localized in a rural setting. These findings align with several contemporary studies that highlight the female predominance of thyroid disorders. Specifically, L. Mehran et al. (2017) observed that over half of their patient cohort (56%) consisted of females aged 20 years and older [10]. Similarly, a multi-city study across India conducted by Gopalakrishnan et al. (2017) reported that 54% of patients were females between 18 and 35 years of age [11]. Further supporting this trend, Kanzaria et al. (2017) noted a significant female majority of 88.89%, predominantly aged between 31 and 50 years. In the therapeutic phase of the present study, participants were administered Vidanga Vati (containing Embelia ribes Burm. f.) at a dosage of three tablets thrice daily post-meals with lukewarm water for eight weeks. This intervention, as noted in the related literature, yielded a statistically significant reduction in serum TSH levels and successfully alleviated nearly all clinical manifestations associated with hypothyroidism [12].

In the baseline assessment of the current study, common clinical manifestations included menstrual abnormalities (52%), weight gain (20%), hair loss (20%), fatigue (16%), and weight loss (10%). These observations correlate with the research conducted at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Drug Development, Kolkata, by Debajyoti et al. (2021), who noted a significant prevalence and subsequent improvement in menstrual irregularities and fatigue. Their study successfully managed hypothyroidism using a combination of Kanchanar Guggulu, Trikatu Churna, and Vidanga Churna, resulting in a serum TSH reduction from 9.51 to 2.84 over three months, without adverse effects [13].

The efficacy of Kanchanar Guggulu is attributed to its primary components: Kanchanar (25%), which regulates the glandular system and reduces tissue edema through its Grahi (absorptive) properties, and Guggulu (50%), recognized in Ayurveda as a premier Vata and Medohara (hypolipidemic) agent. The Lekhana (scraping) and Ushnavirya (hot potency) qualities of Guggulu facilitate weight reduction and mitigate Kapha and Medadushti, thereby addressing thyroid glandular swelling [13].

Supporting these findings, a case study by Dr. Monisha P et al. (2022) at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Ayurveda Hospital demonstrated that Nityananda Rasa, Yashtimadhu capsules, and Dhatri Loha effectively reduced both thyroid profile imbalances and clinical symptoms [14]. Furthermore, Dr. Priyanka Mourya et al. (2020) highlighted that traditional Ayurvedic protocols—utilizing Ama pachana (toxin digestion), Lekhan (scraping), Strotoshodhan (channel clearing), and Anulomana (downward movement)—can normalize Pitta and Agni levels. Such natural interventions offer a viable alternative to lifelong synthetic hormone replacement, potentially avoiding long-term dependency and side effects [15].

Distribution of laboratory test

In the current study, participants were administered a therapeutic regimen consisting of Tab Gounishamalaki (1-0-1, pre-meals) and Panchagavya Sanjevini (2 tsp twice daily, taken on an empty stomach and at bedtime), supplemented by Panchagavya Grita for both Nasya and external application over a three-month period. Systematic monitoring through LFT, RFT, and TFT revealed stable physiological profiles; specifically, the mean T3 level shifted from 1.45 to 1.49, T4 from 11.54 to 11.46, and TSH levels decreased from 5.34 to 5.23 across the 50-participant cohort.

These findings align with several clinical reports utilizing diverse ayurvedic protocols. At the Govt. Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram, Seetha Chandran et al. (2017) successfully managed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis through a structured approach of Rookshana, Snehapana, and Panchakarma (Vamana and Virechana). This protocol resulted in the resolution of palpitations and pruritus, alongside an improved parenchymal echotexture on ultrasound and a TSH reduction to 10.3 mIU/L [16]. Similarly, research at Gujarat Ayurveda University by Karishma et al. (2017) demonstrated that a 45-day course of Triphaladya Guggulu and Punarnavadi Kashaya effectively alleviated classic hypothyroid symptoms, such as facial edema and lethargy, while lowering TSH levels [17]. Furthermore, Verma et al. (2022) reported a significant clinical outcome in Udaipur, where a 30-day Ayurvedic intervention led to near-total remission of symptoms and a marked TSH reduction from 13.401 to 2.820 uIU/ml [18]. Rao et al. (2021) reported that Ayur-Panchagavya–based management for primary hypothyroidism (Gomutra, Ghritha, other Panchagavya preparations plus pathya–apathya and Ayurvedic drugs) alleviated core symptoms, improved Agni and well-being, and favorably modulated thyroid profiles (reduced TSH, T3/T4 trending to normal) without major adverse effects, supporting its adjunct role within the Anukta Vyadhi framework[19].Collectively, these studies underscore the efficacy of individualized Ayurvedic treatments in restoring thyroid homeostasis and improving systemic and metabolic health.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of thyroid dysfunction requires evidence-based medical approaches. Effective management of thyroid conditions typically involves consulting a qualified healthcare professional who can diagnose the specific type of thyroid issue and recommend appropriate treatments, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or other medical interventions. It is important to rely on treatments supported by scientific research and clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy. Discussions about alternative or traditional practices should always be had with a medical professional to understand their potential benefits and risks in the context of overall health and existing medical conditions.

LIMITATIONS

·        The sample size of the study was small because the study period was short.

·        There is no control group

Conflict of Interest: None

Source of Funding: MGRDPR University, Gadag, India.

Clinical Trail Registration: Not Applicable

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge Former Vice Chancellor Prof. Vishnukant S Chatpalli, Former Registrar Prof. B.L. Lakkanannavar , Present Vice-Chancellor(Acting) and Registrar Prof. Suresh V Nadagoudar , Finance Officer Prashanth J C, Sankalpa Rural Development Society (NGO)Kutumachagi,Gadag and all MPH scholars of Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag and Dr D P Ramesh, Chief consultant and research director, Ayurveda Panchagavya speciality health clinic and research centre , Bengaluru for their support and guidance. The authors would like to thank the K H Patil Institute of Medical Sciences,Gadag, for their continuous support.

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