Researchers have identified five traditional herbs that may target a key immune process involved in obesity-related Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Using computational analysis, the research team found that Hedysarum multijugum Maxim, Radix Bupleuri, Prunella vulgaris, Fritillaria thunbergii Bulbus, and Angelicae sinensis Radix may act by regulating efferocytosis—a process in which immune cells such as macrophages clear dying or dead cells from the body.

Obesity is a known risk factor for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), an autoimmune condition that impairs thyroid function. In obese individuals, heightened inflammation and immune dysregulation may worsen thyroid hormone levels and increase thyroid antibody production. Investigators evaluated how commonly prescribed herbal compounds may influence biological pathways associated with both conditions.

Through network pharmacology, researchers analyzed the active compounds in these herbs and their association with efferocytosis, which has been linked to various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Among these compounds, quercetin—a flavonoid found in many plants—was highlighted for its strong binding affinity to proteins involved in efferocytosis.

Using molecular docking, quercetin interacted strongly with key proteins such as MERTK, AXL, and PPARG, the investigators reported in Frontiers in Medicine.

The herbs also showed enrichment in gene functions related to oxidative stress, hormone signaling, and programmed cell death—biological processes frequently altered in individuals with obesity or autoimmune thyroid disease. Researchers used multiple gene databases to identify nearly 7,000 obesity-associated HT targets and aligned them with over 1,600 herb-related targets.

A specific herb pair—Prunella vulgaris and Hedysarum multijugum Maxim—was found to influence the thyroid hormone signaling pathway. Other herb combinations were linked to pathways related to inflammation and lipid metabolism, both of which are commonly disrupted in obesity-related HT.

While the findings suggest potential mechanisms of action, the authors acknowledged that the study relied on computational predictions. Experimental and clinical trials are necessary to validate the herbs’ therapeutic effects in humans.

The study also addressed safety concerns regarding quercetin. Although high doses have shown inhibitory effects on thyroid enzymes in lab settings, human studies using typical supplement doses have not reported harmful effects.

“Efferocytosis emerged as the key mechanism in the context of five herbs and obesity-associated HT,” the authors stated.

The results suggest that modulating efferocytosis may be a potential strategy for managing obesity-linked autoimmune thyroid disease. Further investigation is needed to determine whether herbal compounds like quercetin can safely and effectively support thyroid function in obese patients with HT.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine