Recommended in Germany for Graves'

The German Commission E Herbal Regulatory Authority monograph recommends the use of Bugleweed for people with hyperfunctioning thyroid glands. Bugleweed's activity is thought to be mediated by a reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and inhibition of the conversion of T4 to T3, as well as inhibition of the receptor-binding and biological activity of Graves' immunoglobulins. In a clinical trial of 905 patients with hyperfunctioning thyroid glands, symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, and headaches improved in 87% those treated with Bugleweed. No side effects from Bugleweed were reported, nor were there changes in liver enzymes. Bugleweed is commonly combined with Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) to treat thyroid conditions. Extracts of Lemon Balm have also been shown to bind thyroid stimulating hormone and block activation of the thyroid gland, resulting in decreased circulating TSH, and lowered thyroid hormone levels. Blue Flag (Iris Versicolor) appears to act as a potent detoxifier of the thyroid gland, which is particularly susceptible to disruption from environmental toxins.

References

Bugleweed

Lycopus virginicus

Hyperthyroidism

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is a traditional herbal treatment for hyperthyroidism. Bugleweed has been shown to reduce thyroid hormone levels in animals and humans (1). Freeze dried extracts of Bugleweed were effective at inhibiting the receptor-binding and biological activity of Graves' immunoglobulins. This inhibited the ability of the thyroid stimulating antibodies produced in Graves' disease from stimulating the thyroid hormone receptors to produce more thyroid hormone. The effects were found to be dose dependent. (2)

The German Commission E monograph recommends the use of Bugleweed for mild hyperthyroidism. In Europe, Bugleweed is commonly combined with lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) to treat thyroid conditions. Extracts of Lemon Balm have been shown to bind thyroid stimulating hormone and block activation of the thyroid gland, resulting in decreased circulating TSH (3). This results in reduced thyroid hormone levels, and an improvement in hyperthyroid symptoms.In a clinical trial of 905 patients with mild hyperthyroidism, symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, and headaches improved in 87% those treated. No side effects from Bugleweed were reported, nor were there changes in liver enzymes. (4)

Pharmacology

Lithospermic acid and other organic acids are believed to be responsible for bugleweed's activity. These acids decrease levels of several hormones in the body, particularly thyroid-stimulating hormone (5) and thyroxine (6). In addition, Bugleweed has been found to inhibit the peripheral deiodination of T4 to T3, and to lower prolactin levels (7).

References- Bugleweed

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Hyperthyroidism

In vitro studies have found that lemon balm blocks attachment of antibodies to the thyroid cells that cause Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism). (1) The brain's signal to the thyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) is also blocked from further stimulating the excessively active thyroid gland in this disease. In fact, Lemon Balm has been shown to calm the nervous system as well, which corresponds to its traditional use for palpitations, high blood pressure, and insomnia. (2). Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) and lemon balm have been used together in Europe for Graves' disease.

Insomnia

One small trial studying sleep quality compared the effect of a combination product containing an extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and an extract of valerian root with that of the sleeping drug triazolam (Halcion&). The effectiveness of the herbal combination was similar to that of Halcion, as determined by the ability to fall asleep and the quality of sleep. (3) Another trial also found that the same combination of valerian and lemon balm, taken over a two-week period, is effective in improving quality of sleep. (4)

Anti-Viral

Aqueous extracts of Folium Melissae inhibited the replication in vitro of herpes simplex virus type 2, influenza virus A2 (Mannheim 57) and vaccinia virus at a concentration of 10% (5).

An open multicentre study of 115 patients with herpes simplex infections demonstrated that external applications of a 1% lyophilized aqueous extract of Lemon Balm in a cream base reduced the healing time of herpetic lesions from 10-14 days to 6-8 days (6). Treatment with the cream also prolonged the recidivation-free intervals, as compared with other topical virustatic preparations containing idoxuridine and tromantidine hydrochloride. A subsequent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 116 patients with herpes simplex demonstrated a significant reduction in the size of herpetic lesions within 5 days in patients treated with the same cream (P = 0.01), as compared with placebo treatment (7).

Pharmacology

The terpenes, part of the pleasant smelling volatile oil from lemon balm, are thought to produce this herb's relaxing effects. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other compounds appear to be responsible for lemon balm's anti-herpes and thyroid-regulating actions.

References- Lemon Balm