Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group

Benign thyroid nodules are one of the most common endocrine disorders and may respond to a combination of natural extracts including spirulina, curcumin and Boswellia

Research indicates that a combination of natural extracts including spirulina, curcumin and Boswellia may be an effective and non-invasive option for treating benign thyroid nodules.

Benign thyroid nodules are one of the most common endocrine disorders, and conventional treatment options include surgical removal and procedures including alcohol injection, radiotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound and laser ablation.[i] This study showed that a combination of spirulina, curcumin and Boswellia extracts may effectively reduce the size of benign nodules by an average of 0.611 centimeters.[ii]

While additional research is needed to support these findings, researchers are excited by the possibility of a non-invasive and therapeutic alternative to thyroid nodule treatment and concluded that a combination of these natural substances can be safely administered in the doses used in this study.[iii]

Spirulina, Boswellia and Curcumin -- The Magic Trio for Suppressing Nodule Growth?

Benign thyroid nodules are lumps or growths on the thyroid that are noncancerous and typically discovered during a physical examination.[iv] Most common in women and older populations, benign thyroid nodules may cause thyroid dysfunction if too large.[v]

Boswellia, a gum extract from the Boswellia serrata tree, seems to distinguish cancerous cells from other cells, may suppress cancerous cell activity and has anti-tumor properties, making it a possible therapeutic agent for thyroid tumors.[vi],[vii] When combined with curcumin, Boswellia inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines.[viii]

Curcumin, an active compound in turmeric, has researched effects on thyroid nodules similar to that of Boswellia extract. In addition, curcumin has been observed to have anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects on thyroid cancers and promoted the therapeutic effects of iodine.[ix],[x],[xi]

Spirulina, a type of algae known for its antioxidant properties and often referred to as a "superfood" due to its high concentration of minerals, proteins, essential fatty acids and vitamins, may have protective effects on thyroid function and genetic function, making it a possible agent in cancer treatment as well.[xii],[xiii],[xiv] Additionally, spirulina is eco-friendly and may have anti-tumor properties.[xv]

For these reasons, a combination of these three natural substances could be the next exciting step in the non-invasive treatment of benign thyroid nodules, and the study supported this hypothesis.

Of the 34 patients enrolled in the study, 29 saw a 5% reduction in thyroid nodule size, and 22 saw a 10% or more reduction after just three months. Researchers theorize that these results are due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Boswellia, curcumin and spirulina, but further research is needed to support this theory.[xvi]

© April 25th 2020 GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.