International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 9 Issue 1, Jan-Feb 2025 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

A Pharmaceutico - Analytical and Experimental Study to

Evaluate Kaphaketu Rasa on Hypothyroidism
Dr. Shynack Rani KK1, Dr. Ravi R Chavan2, Dr. Usha M3
1
PG Scholar, 2HOD & Professor, 3Assistant Professor,
1,2,3
Taranath Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Ballari, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Dr. Shynack

Background: Hypothyroidism refers to the common pathological Rani KK | Dr. Ravi R Chavan | Dr. Usha
condition of thyroid hormone deficiency. It is the most common M "A Pharmaceutico - Analytical and
disorder after Diabetes Mellitus. The prevalence of hypothyroidism Experimental Study to Evaluate
in India is 11% and 4-5% in worldwide. It is a hypometabolic clinical Kaphaketu Rasa on Hypothyroidism"
Published in
state resulting from inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones for International
prolonged periods or rarely from resistance of the peripheral tissues Journal of Trend in
to the effects of thyroid hormones. Generally, hypothyroidism, a Scientific Research
metabolic disorder can consider as agnimandya. All signs and and Development
symptoms of hypothyroidism are kaphapradhana. Kaphaja galaganda (ijtsrd), ISSN:
can be considered as hypothyroidism based on lakshnas and sthana. 2456-6470, IJTSRD75029
Kaphaketu rasa is one such yoga explained in Rasendra Chintamani Volume-9 | Issue-1,
containing Shuddha tankana, shankha bhasma, Shuddha vatsanabha February 2025, pp.784-790, URL:
and Shuddha pippali with three ardraka swarasa bhavana with www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd75029.pdf
indication in all kaphaja rogas like swasa kasa galarogas peenasa etc
Copyright © 2025 by author (s) and
Objective- the aim of study was to evaluate anti-hypothyroid effect International Journal of Trend in
Of Kapha Ketu Rasa in PTU induced hypothyroid rat models. Scientific Research and Development
Materials & methods Hypothyroidism was induced by giving Journal. This is an
Propyl Thio Uracil to rats on daily basis. After one hour of giving Open Access article
inducing medicine, test drug is given for 30 days continuously. The distributed under the
effect of drug on body weight and thyroid hormones were quantified terms of the Creative Commons
at 30th day. On 30th day animals were sacrificed and thyroid gland is Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
dissected out and screened for histopathological study. Result & (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
conclusion Experimental study Data showed decrease in TSH, and
improvement in T3 and T4 hormone levels compared to diseased KEYWORDS: Kaphaketu Rasa,
group. Histopathological values showed reduced congestion of blood shankha Bhasma, Hypothyroidism,
vessels, reduction in follicular cell hyperplasia reduced inflammation, kaphaja galaganda
and no inflammatory infiltrate in test drug group.

INTRODUCTION
Kaphaketu rasa is a herbo-mineral khalviya thyroid hormones. Generally, hypothyroidism, a
rasayana, which is effective in kaphapradhana metabolic disorder can consider as agnimandya. All
vyadhis especially urdwajathru rogas. It is indicated signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are
in galaroga, galagraha, swasa, kasa, karnaroga, kaphapradhana. Kaphaja galaganda can be
nasaroga. It also corrects agni because it's ingredients considered as hypothyroidism based on lakshnas and
have deepana, pachana property. Hypothyroidism sthana. Almost all ingredients of Kaphaketu rasa
refers to the common pathological condition of have katu rasa, laghu ruksa guna, ushna veerya,
thyroid hormone deficiency. It is the most common kaphapittahara properties which helps in kapha
disorder after Diabetes Mellitus. The prevalence of nissaraka and thereby cures hypothyroidism.
hypothyroidism in India is 11% and 4-5% in
METHODOLOGY
worldwide.
Test drug
Hypothyroidism is a hypometabolic clinical state Kaphaketu rasa preparation
resulting from inadequate secretion of thyroid Test drug kaphaketu rasa was prepared as per the
hormones for prolonged periods or rarely from classical text reference in the department of
resistance of the peripheral tissues to the effects of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Taranath

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
Government Ayurvedic Medical College and i,e Rat Dose =Human Dose mg/kgbw X
Hospital, Ballari. Kmratio/kgbw.
 Ingredients are purchased from khalvachaya Dose of PTU drug:
ayurvedic retail shop, Ballari. To induce hypothyroidism PTU was administered
Method of preparation orally in the dose of 50mg/kgbw in humanbody.
 Fine powders of shuddha Tankana, shuddha Rat dose- 1 mg/kgbw
Vatsanabha, Shankha Bhasma and shuddha
Dose of test drug
Pippali are taken in clean khalvayantra.
The therapeutic Human dose of Kaphaketu Rasa is
 Bhavana is given with Ardraka swarasa for 3 125 mg per day. Therefore, Rat Dose =Human Dose
times. X 0.018 X 5 = 11.25 mg/kgbw.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ROUTE OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION:
Study was conducted in SDM research center, Udupi. The dosage form of Kaphaketu Rasa was
administered through the oral route by intragastric
The animals were acclimatized and maintained with
24oC ± 2oC,70%RH and 12/12h light and dark cycle tube using 5 ml syringe fitted with number 18 gauze
gavaging needle with round tip made of steel,
throughout the study at animal house, department of
pharmacology, S.D.M. centre for Research in prescribed dose of suspended drug was loaded in the
Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Udupi, as per the syringe and the tube was inserted into the oesophagus
protocol outlined in publication of the committee for and drug was administered.
the purpose of control and supervision of experiment DOSAGE FORM:
on Animal standard guidelines (CPCSEA) and The Dosage of Kaphaketu Rasa (125mg/kgbw) was
approval was obtained from Institutional Animal administered in the form of suspension by adding
Ethical Clearance Committee (IAEC) Approval No: 20ml of Ardraka Swarasa which is the Anupana
SDMCRA/IAEC/TB-R-13. mentioned.
18 healthy wistar albino rats were selected and DRUG DOSING SCHEDULE
grouped into 3 groups. Selected animal was grouped To induce hypothyroidism 1 mg of PTU is
by randomisation method. 6 animals in each group. administered orally by diluting in distilled water
The individual rat was weighed and rats with weight daily. Test drug Kaphaketu Rasa along with Ardraka
around 200-250 only taken for study and marked with Swarasa as anupana is administered after one hour of
picric acid for identification. PTU administration to the same group. To another
group only PTU is given to induce hypothyroidism.
Experimental design
Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
groups. The data obtained was analyzed by using analysis of
variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's 't' test for
Group 1-normal control
determining the level of significance of the observed
Group 2-disease control effects. A 'P' value of less than 0.05 was considered
Group 3-test drug group statistically significant.

Experimental induction of hypothyroidism  EVALUATION OF ANTIHYPOTHYROID

Hypothyroidism was induced to rats by oral ACTIVITY
administration of propyl thio uracil oraly on daily A number of experimental models are employed to
basis for 30 days. Dose was calculated according to assess antihypothyroid activity. When the rats are
individual rat weight. PTU was given by diluted in exposed to multiple doses of PTU, it causes lowering
distilled water. of T3,T4 and TSH levels. Administration of drug
Kaphaketu Rasa is done to make the thyroid hormone
Dose fixation levels in normal level. Also, the histopathological
The dose for Rats was calculated by referring the changes also evaluated. This fact has been used to
table of Paget and Barnes: design experimental models for assessing
hypothyroid activity.

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In the present study evaluation of Kaphaketu Rasa on hypothyroidism was carried out using PTU induced
Hypothyroid models in rats.
Treatment protocol:
Group Group name Treatment Dose Frequency Duration
1. Normal control Vehicle - Daily 30 days
1 mg/kg
2. Positive control Daily 30 days
(PTU) BW
Induced HYPOTHYROIDISM
1 mg/kg
3. Test drug: KKR with Ardraka PTU Daily 30 days
BW
Swarasa as anupana
KKR with Ardraka 11.25mg/kg
Daily 30 days
Swarasa as anupana BW
Group 1 Vehicle treated: animals received tap water.
Group 2 POSITIVE CONTROL-: animals received PTU (1 mg/kgbw), and distilled water.
Group 3 Test drug: animals received Kaphaketu Rasa (11.25mg/kgbw,p.o.), in addition to PTU.
The Test drug Kaphaketu Rasa were administered orally in test group after one hour of giving PTU daily for 30
consecutive days. One group (vehicle) is treated only with water and food. Another group is given only PTU, no
test drug given (Positive control). All the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after ether anesthesia.
Blood withdrew to check biochemical parameters. And thyroid organ is dissected out and cleaned to remove
extraneous tissues, blotted to remove blood stain. Thyroid organ was preserved in 10% formalin for
histopathological processing.
Serum was separated and serum level of biochemical parameters namely TSH, T3 and T4. were estimated as per
standard procedure prescribed by manufacturer.
Observation and results of experimental study
Effect of test drug (Kaphaketu rasa) on Biochemical Parameters
Results of test drug (Kaphaketu Rasa) on TSH:
Groups mean ± SEM % Change
Normal control 0.173±0.04 -
Positive control 33.106 ± 6.00 ** ↑19036@
Test 40.523± 1.56 ns ↑28.444#
Data; MEAN ± SEM, **P<0.0001, ns- P Value ˃0.05
@-compared with normal control
#-compared with positive control
The effect of test drug on TSH hormone in PTU induced hypothyroidism has been depicted in above table
The data shows there is drastic increase in TSH level in disease control group, due to negative feedback
mechanism in hypothyroidism, when compared to the normal control group, the observed increase was found to
be statistically very significant.
The data shows the magnitude of increase in TSH level is less in test drug group, when compared to the normal
control group, its due to less variation in thyroid hormones in test drug group. The observed decrease was found
to be statistically nonsignificant.
Showing the result of test drug (KKR) on T3:
Group mean± SEM %change
Normal control 0.413± 0.075 -
Positive control 0.188± 0.014 * ↓54.48@
Test group 0.336± 0.072 ns ↑78.72 #
Data: MEAN ± SEM, *P<0.05, ns- P Value ˃0.05
@-compared with normal control

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#-compared with positive control
The effect of test drug on T3 hormone in PTU induced hypothyroidism has been depicted in above table
The data shows there is decrease in T3 level in disease control group, due to induced hypothyroidism, when
compared to the normal control group, the observed decrease is found to be statistically significant.
The data shows there is increase in T3 hormone level in test drug group, when compared to the disease control
group. The observed increase is found to be statistically non-significant. Eventhough its statistically non-
significant, the data shows more appreciable increase in T3 hormone level.
Showing the result of test drug (KKR) ON T4:
Group Mean ± SEM % change
Normal control 236.666 ± 33.384 -
Positive control 179.833 ± 10.901 ns ↓24.014@
Test group 268.166 ± 39.247 ns ↑49.119#
Data: MEAN ± SEM, ns- P Value ˃0.05
@-compared with normal control
#-compared with positive control
The effect of test drug on T4 hormone in PTU induced hypothyroidism has been depicted in above table
The data shows there is decrease in T4 level in disease control group, due to induced hypothyroidism, when
compared to the normal control group, the observed decrease is found to be statistically non-significant.
The data shows there is increase in T4 hormone level in test drug group, when compared to the disease control
group. The observed increase is found to be statistically non-significant. Eventhough its statistically non-
significant, the data shows appreciable increase in t4 hormone level.
Histopathological Changes
Showing results of Histopathology
Inflammatory infiltrate Congested blood vessels Follicular cell Hyperplasia
NC1 - - -
NC2 - - -
NC3 Thyroid tissue not seen in tissue section
PC1 ++ +++ +++
PC2 - + +++
PC3 - +++ +++
T1 - + ++
T2 - + +++
T3 Thyroid tissue not seen in tissue section
NC(normal control)- All the tissue sections show round to oval thyroid follicles lined by cuboidal epithelial
cells or thyrocytes. The lumen contains eosinophilic colloid.
PC(positive control)- All the tissue sections show severe diffuse follicular cell hyperplasia. Obliteration of
lumina of most of the follicles is caused by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the lining epithelium. Some follicles
show very small lumina with reduced colloid material. The cells are overcrowded with nuclear pleomorphism
(variability in size and shape of nuclei) in some areas. Chronic inflammatory infiltrate is seen in 1 slide. Severe
congested blood vessels are seen in all the tissue sections. Tissue architecture is distorted
T(test group)- T1 and T2 shows diffuse follicular cell hyperplasia with nuclear pleomorphism in T2. Compared
with PC group, all the tissue sections show reduced congestion of blood vessels. T1 shows slight reduction in
follicular cell hyperplasia. Inflammatory infiltrate is not seen in any of the tissue sections.
Discussion
PTU induced hypothyroidism- Propyl thio uracil is an anti- thyroid drug used to manage Hyperthyroidism &
grave’s disease.
It inhibits the production of new thyroid hormone in thyroid gland. It acts by inhibiting the enzyme thyroid
peroxidase, which usually converts iodide to iodine molecule and incorporates the iodine molecule into amino

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acid Tyrosine. Hence Di iodo tyrosine and Mono iodothyronine does not get produced, which are main
constituents in production of Thyroxine(T4) and Tri iodothyronine(T3). Peripherally, it acts by inhibiting the
conversion of T4 to T3. It affects the existing thyroid hormones stored in the thyroid gland as well as circulating
in the blood.
PTU can lead to Hypothyroidism- weight gain, constipation or drowsiness.
1. Physical parameter
Changes in % change in Body weight: Test drug at therapeutic dose administered groups showed decrease in
the % change in body weight in comparison to Disease control group and was found to be statistically non-
significant. Eventhough statistically non-significant there is reduction in weight of rats, which indicates the
action of drug on weight gain seen in hypothyroidism.
2. Blood parameters
A. TSH-
Thus, serum estimation of TSH which is fairly specific for assessing normal thyroid functioning. It is well
established that level of TSH will gets elevated in Hypothyroidism by negative feedback mechanism. In the
present study also remarkable but non-significant (due to variation) elevation was observed. This elevation was
found to be reduced in test drug group. This can be considered as the first line of evidence for the action of test
drug.
B. EFFECT ON TRI IODOTHYRONINE
In the present study, T3 hormone level is reduced in disease control group which means hypothyroidism is
induced in that group. In test drug group the T3 value is increased to quite large amount, but statistically its
shown as non-significant. Eventhough the elevation is not statistically significant; the effect of test drug in
elevating T3 hormone is acceptable.
C. THYROXINE
In this study, the thyroxine value is reduced in disease control group, showing hypothyroidism is induced in that
group. In test drug group it showed non-significant increase in thyroxine level. This may indicate the test drug’s
action on increasing thyroxine levels in blood and thereby curing Hypothyroidism.
Histopathology
Histopathological study reveals that the test drug reduces the inflammatory infiltration, necrosis, degeneration,
cellular alteration and congestion in the thyroid tissue when compared with Disease control group. This proves
the test drug can reduce the damages of tissue upto an appreciable extent.
Probable mode of action.
Thyroid hormone functions are similar to the functions of agni (jataragni, dhatvagni, bhutagni) in our body
causing transformations/ tissue metabolism at various levels and thus maintaining the Basal Metabolic Rate.
Agnimandya at any level is due to kaphakara nidaana results in increased Dhatugata mala sanchaya, resulting
in srotorodha causing compromised dhatu saara leading to both physical and mental features in hypothyroidism.
Vata acts as a yogavahi in aggravating the kaphadushti. Thus, it is a vata kapha samsarga condition.
Medicine having Deepana, pachana, lekhana, ruksha, ushna, Sukshma, kaphachedhana, kaphashoshana
properties can boosts the body metabolism and can reduce the disease condition.
Kaphaketu rasa is such a potent kaphahara drug which contains Shankha Bhasma, vatsanabha, tankana, Pippali
as ingredients and ardraka swarasa as bhavanadravya.
Shankha Bhasma works on deep seated dushita kapha by its scraping property and thus helps in improving agni.
With pacification of kapha, Ama condition which is responsible for underlying inflammation in body is reduced.
Shankha Bhasma is a very potent antacid, anti-inflammatory and good source of organic calcium. Being potent
antacid, it will balance the more teekshna effect of Pippali, vatsanabha etc on git. Also, shankha Bhasma can
regulate the body metabolic rate by correcting dhatvagnis.
It consists of 43% calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is indicated for low serum calcium conditions like
osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, pseudo-hypoparathyroidism etc. Cytoprotective effects may
occur through increased bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and prostaglandins.
Vatsanabha with its ushna, teekshna, vikashi, vyavayi properties will act on dooshita kapha. It will help to
remove the avarana of kapha. Being visha its action will be fast and penetrating. Also, aconitum alkaloids

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present in vatsanabha have metabolism stimulating properties. Aconitum chasmanthum, a chemical constituent
in vatsanabha has anti-inflammatory effects, by reducing IgE, monocyte chemo attractant protein -1, eosinophil,
& lymphocytes which are important inflammatory mediators involved in auto immune hypothyroidism.
Immunomodulatory drugs have a major role in hypothyroidism, because auto immunity is the major cause for
disease manifestation. The drugs like Pippali and Vatsanabha have Rasayana effect, which can reduce the
autoimmune system attack of thyroid, in these cases body reduces selenium supply. But drugs like Pippali can
increase the absorption of selenium and thus helps in proper thyroid functioning. Selenium is required for many
enzymes known as selenoproteins. The chemical reaction which converts thyroxine to tri-iodothyronine is
catalysed by these selenoproteins. Pippali have properties like ushna, teekshna, will helps to reduce the kapha
dushti and thereby reduces the hypothyroid symptoms. The Shodhana dravya used for Pippali is chitraka, which
is also helps in thyroglobulin formation while hormone synthesis
Tankana, which is a kshara with lekhana, ushna, teekshna ruksha properties will reduce the kaphadushti and
clears the margavarodha. Also, it’s an antidote to the potent ingredient vatsanabha. Tankana is anti -
inflammatory in action, thereby it can inhibit the pro- inflammatory cytokines and reduces inflammation and
swelling of thyroid tissues and thus helps in production of thyroid hormones properly.
Ardraka, the bhavana dravya used will potencify the drug. The principal alkaloid Zingiberene results in
decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes. It possesses anti-
inflammatory, analgesic, carminative etc. its anti-inflammatory activity has been attributed to its ability to reduce
pro-inflammatory mediators and due to anti-oxidant effect. It inhibits macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes and
leukocyte migration to site of inflammation and thus can limit the extent of tissue damage.
Pippali and ardraka also exihibits bio enhancing properties which are useful in reducing the dose as well as
duration of treatment.
Kaphaketu rasa altogether have properties ruksha, lekhana, laghu, Sukshma guna, ushna veerya, katu vipaka,
katu kashaya rasa, having Deepana, pachana, vatakaphahara, karma. so effective in kapha medo disorders.
Because of Lekhana is effective in management of hypothyroidism, it helps to reduce or breakdown deep seated
kaphadosha and meda dhatus and clears the srotorodha. Thus, show significant action on sypmtoms like sudden
weight gain, constipation, tiredness etc. in hypothyroidism.
Thus, Kaphaketu rasa acts on overall metabolism of body and helps to regulate the digestion and excretion
process and reduces inflammation and enhance proper functioning of thyroid gland.
Conclusion
Kaphaketu Rasa is one yoga explained in Rasendra Chintamani, Kapha rogadhikara . It contains Shuddha
Tankana, Shuddha Pippali, Shankha Bhasma and Shuddha Vatsanabha. Vati is prepared after three Bhavana in
Ardraka Swarasa .it is indicated in swasa kasa ,galarogas etc. Almost all ingredients of Kaphaketu Rasa1
possess katu, tikta, kashaya Rasa, ushna veerya lekhana, kapha-vatahara, properties.; hypothyroidism, by
symptoms and clinical presentations, correlated as kaphaja galaganda. Kaphaketu rasa altogether have
properties ruksha, lekhana, laghu, Sukshma guna, ushna veerya, katu vipaka, katu kashaya rasa, having
Deepana, pachana, vatakaphahara, karma. so effective in kapha medo disorders. Because of Lekhana property
it is effective in management of hypothyroidism, it helps to reduce or breakdown deep seated kaphadosha and
meda dhatus and clears the srotorodha. Thus, show significant action on sypmtoms like sudden weight gain,
constipation, tiredness etc. in hypothyroidism.
Acknowledgement
I express my sincere gratitude to my guide Dr Ravi r Chavan , co guide Mr Sudhakar Bhatt, Assistant professor
Dr Usha M, my friends Dr Sabiya Kousar, Dr Suryanarayana , Dr Harshitha SJ, Dr Swarna Y, Dr Sahana
Ranjanagi, and my family Members.

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Figures of animals study

Fig. no:2-collection of blood Fig. no:3-dissection of rats

Fig. no:1 -dosing of rats samples

Fig. no:4- thyroid gland, along Normal group- Normal Fig no-1 positive control -
with portions of trachea thyroid follicles chronic inflammatory infiltrate

Fig. no. 4 Test group- reduced Fig. no.5 Test group- reduced
Fig no- 2 pc- follicular cell follicular hyperplasia hyperplasia, congestion
hyperplasia

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