Impact of Potentized Medicines in the Management of Propylthiouracil-Induced Hypothyroidism in Mice

Abstract

Introduction

Homeopathic treatments for hypothyroidism have shown clinical efficacy in reducing dependency on levothyroxine, but there is no reported activation of thyroxine (T4) or reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in animal models. In crude form, somatostatin inhibits TSH secretion, while methimazole decreases thyroid hormone synthesis. Potentized preparations of somatostatin and methimazole were examined in an animal model based on the principle of similars.

Methods

Potentized preparations (30c) of somatostatin (Soma), methimazole (Mazo), and their combination were tested in the treatment of propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in mice (n = 6 per group), together with vehicle, disease, and positive (thyroxine) controls. These preparations were administered orally at a daily dose of 0.1 mL for 7 to 22 days. Changes in body weight, food intake, water intake, glucose, albumin, and total proteins were monitored on days 0 and 22. Serum T3, T4 and TSH levels were measured on days 0, 7, 14 and 22.

Results

Body weight, food and water intake were not significantly altered in the groups, except the disease control group. The thyroxine-treated animals showed significant recovery in T3 levels. Similar but less prominent recovery was observed with Soma, Mazo, and the combination. Among the treatment groups, Soma (p = 0.027), Mazo (p = 0.001) and combination (p < 0.0001) showed moderate but statistically significant improvement in T4 levels. Soma (p = 0.001), Mazo (p = 0.001) and combination (p = 0.001) displayed a reduction in TSH elevation by day 22 compared with the disease control group. Serum albumin levels were similar in all groups and were not altered by any of the treatments. Serum glucose levels in disease control were significantly higher than normal control and the combination of test drugs.

Conclusion

Potentized preparations of somatostatin and methimazole exhibited efficacy in regulating thyroid hormones in an animal model, supporting the concept of the principle of similars.

Keywords

hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid - thyroid - potentization - homeopathy - somatostatin - methimazole

Publication History

Received: 02 May 2025

Accepted: 07 October 2025

Article published online:
20 February 2026

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