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Desiccated Thyroid

NDT · Natural Desiccated Thyroid · Armour Thyroid · NP Thyroid

Thyroid Hormones
MW
240.3g/mol
Formula
C14H8S2

Desiccated thyroid, a natural thyroid hormone replacement derived from the thyroid glands of pigs, contains a mixture of levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3) and is primarily studied for its potential benefits in managing hypothyroidism. Researchers observed that while desiccated thyroid may not consistently outperform standard levothyroxine therapy, some patients, particularly those with persistent symptoms on levothyroxine alone, reported subjective improvements when using desiccated thyroid. Clinical evidence indicates that desiccated thyroid can lead to increased heart rate and may be preferred by a subset of symptomatic patients who do not respond adequately to levothyroxine. Current research continues to explore its efficacy and safety, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and consideration of individual responses to thyroid hormone therapies.

Overview

Übersicht

Desiccated thyroid, also known as natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) or Armour Thyroid, is a thyroid hormone replacement therapy derived from the dried thyroid glands of pigs. It is classified as a thyroid hormone and contains a combination of levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3), which are endogenous hormones produced by the human thyroid gland. Historically, NDT was a common treatment for hypothyroidism until synthetic levothyroxine became the standard. The primary physiological role of desiccated thyroid is to supplement or replace endogenous thyroid hormones in individuals with hypothyroidism. Researchers have found that NDT can be beneficial for patients who do not respond adequately to levothyroxine alone, as it provides both T4 and T3, potentially addressing symptoms more effectively in certain cases. The mechanism of action of desiccated thyroid involves binding to thyroid hormone receptors in the nucleus of cells, leading to the activation of gene transcription and subsequent protein synthesis. This cascade affects various metabolic processes, including basal metabolic rate and protein synthesis. Pharmacokinetically, the components of desiccated thyroid have different half-lives; levothyroxine has a longer half-life than liothyronine, which allows for once-daily dosing. The bioavailability of oral NDT is influenced by gastrointestinal absorption and first-pass metabolism. Clinically, desiccated thyroid is used primarily for the treatment of hypothyroidism, particularly in patients who do not achieve symptom relief with levothyroxine alone. Regulatory standing varies by region, with NDT being available by prescription in several countries, though it is less commonly prescribed than synthetic alternatives.

Chemical profile

Chemische Struktur

Chemical structure of Desiccated Thyroid
FormelC14H8S2
Molekulargewicht240.3g/mol
CAS-Nummer217-19-6
PubChem CID58434773
Mechanism

Wirkmechanismus

Desiccated thyroid acts on thyroid hormone receptors, primarily TRα and TRβ, which are nuclear receptors. Upon binding, it activates transcription of genes involved in metabolic regulation, impacting processes such as energy expenditure and protein synthesis.

Mechanism

Signalweg

Desiccated thyroid (DTE) acts primarily through the thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), which are nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression upon binding to thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This binding activates various signaling pathways, including the cAMP/PKA pathway and the MAPK pathway, leading to increased metabolic processes such as protein synthesis, glucose metabolism, and thermogenesis. The exact mechanism of action of DTE is not fully understood, particularly regarding the differential effects of T4 and T3 in various tissues.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

ENEndogenous

Levothyroxine ~7 days, Liothyronine ~1 day

POOral

Bioavailability varies due to first-pass metabolism

Levothyroxine and liothyronine have different pharmacokinetic profiles, affecting dosing schedules.

Storage

Temperature

Store at room temperature (15-30C)

Light

Protect from light

Form

Tablets are stable under recommended storage conditions

Notes

Avoid exposure to excessive moisture.

Solubility

Löslichkeit

Desiccated thyroid is formulated as tablets, with solubility designed for oral absorption.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Prescription only (verschreibungspflichtig), not a controlled substance.

🇺🇸US

FDA approved, prescription required, not scheduled by DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Prescription only (S4), regulated by TGA.

🇬🇧UK

Prescription only medicine (POM), regulated by MHRA.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Open Questions

Offene Forschungsfragen

Current evidence is limited regarding the long-term efficacy and safety of desiccated thyroid (DTE) compared to levothyroxine (LT4) and LT4+liothyronine (LT3) in diverse populations, particularly among those who are symptomatic despite LT4 therapy. Further research is needed through larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focus on specific subgroups of hypothyroid patients, including those with varying etiologies and degrees of symptom severity, to clarify the potential benefits and optimal dosing of DTE. Additionally, studies investigating the long-term outcomes and quality of life in patients treated with DTE are essential to establish its role in modern hypothyroidism management.

66 Research Publications

1,494

Total Citations

16

Human/RCT

2.6

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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#01

A review of optical NDT technologies.

ReviewInfluence6.0
241
The review highlighted the advancements and applications of various optical non-destructive testing technologies, emphasizing their precision and sensitivity in industrial inspections.
#02

A Review of Magnetic Flux Leakage Nondestructive Testing.

ReviewInfluence4.0
136
The review summarized recent advances in magnetic flux leakage testing, detailing factors affecting defect detection and introducing new algorithms for quantifying defects.
#03

Nondestructive testing methods for pesticide residue in food commodities: A review.

ReviewInfluence1.0
120
The review indicated that while nondestructive testing methods for pesticide residue detection in food commodities show promise, challenges remain in their real-time implementation.
#04

A Review of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Techniques for Defect Detection: Application to Fusion Welding and Future Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Processes.

ReviewInfluence2.0
105
The study demonstrated that various non-destructive testing techniques can effectively detect defects in fusion welding and additive manufacturing processes.
#05

A Review of NDT/Structural Health Monitoring Techniques for Hot Gas Components in Gas Turbines.

ReviewInfluence3.0
84
The study demonstrated that various non-destructive testing techniques are essential for monitoring the integrity of gas turbine components, highlighting the need for effective condition-based maintenance.
#06

A Review of Microwave Thermography Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation.

Review
79
The review highlighted that microwave thermography offers significant advantages for materials evaluation, including strong penetrability and energy savings, while outlining emerging research trends.
#07

Neurodevelopmental Therapy for Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysis.

Te Velde Anna, et al. · Pediatrics · 2022

ReviewInfluence1.0
69
Researchers observed that activity-based and body structure and function interventions are more effective than Neurodevelopmental Therapy for improving motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

Key findings

  1. 01NDT showed no significant improvement in motor function compared to control groups.
  2. 02Activity-based therapies were found to be more effective than NDT.
  3. 03There was no difference in effectiveness between higher and lower doses of NDT.
#08

The Bobath Concept (NDT) as rehabilitation in stroke patients: A systematic review.

Pathak Abhishek, et al. · Journal of family medicine and primary care · 2021

Review
54
Researchers observed no strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of the Bobath approach in the rehabilitation of stroke patients compared to other therapeutic techniques.

Key findings

  1. 01The Bobath approach is widely used but lacks strong evidence of effectiveness.
  2. 02No conclusive benefits were found when comparing Bobath to other therapies.
  3. 03Further research is necessary to clarify its role in stroke rehabilitation.
#09

B5GEMINI: AI-Driven Network Digital Twin.

ReviewInfluence4.0
44
Researchers observed that the B5GEMINI network digital twin technology leverages AI and machine learning to enhance the design of telecommunications networks and improve cybersecurity.
#10

Eddy Currents Probe Design for NDT Applications: A Review.

ReviewInfluence3.0
41
The review highlighted advancements in eddy current probe design for non-destructive testing, emphasizing the importance of calibration and sensitivity to environmental conditions.

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer