Gland (unspecified)
Synopsis of Gland (unspecified)
History
Glandular therapy, also known as organotherapy, has a rich history in traditional medicine, where animal glands (such as adrenal, thyroid, thymus, and others) were commonly used as nutritional and medicinal remedies. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese practiced the principle of "like cures like," believing that consuming glandular tissues could support the function of corresponding human organs. For centuries, dried and powdered animal glands were used to address various ailments, such as thyroid extracts for goiter or adrenal extracts for fatigue and stress-related conditions.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, glandular extracts gained popularity in Western medicine before the advent of synthetic hormones. Pioneering physicians prescribed desiccated glandular supplements to promote vitality, support endocrine balance, and aid in recovery from illness. These natural remedies were seen as a gentle and holistic way to nourish the body and support weakened or underactive organs.
Glandular ingredients have also found their place in herbal combinations, where they are paired with botanicals that further support organ health. For example, adrenal gland extract may be combined with adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha or licorice root to enhance resilience to stress, while thymus extract can be used alongside echinacea to support immune function. These synergistic blends aim to provide a balanced approach to wellness, drawing on both nutritional and herbal wisdom.
Overall, glandular ingredients have made significant contributions to traditional and holistic health practices, offering natural support for the body’s vital systems and helping many individuals restore balance and vitality.
Traditional and scientific validation
Glandular extracts, often simply referred to as "gland," have a long history of use in nutritional supplements and traditional medicine. Historically, practitioners of organotherapy in the 19th and early 20th centuries advocated the use of animal glandular tissues, such as adrenal, thymus, thyroid, and pituitary, to support the function of corresponding human glands. This practice was based on the principle of "like supports like," suggesting that consuming glandular tissues could help maintain or restore organ health.
Scientific validation for glandular supplements is mixed. Some animal studies and limited clinical research suggest that glandular extracts may provide bioactive peptides, enzymes, and micronutrients that could support immune function and overall vitality. For example, bovine adrenal and thymus extracts have been explored for their potential to modulate immune responses and reduce fatigue, although results are preliminary. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic practices have incorporated glandular ingredients for centuries, attributing benefits such as improved energy, resilience to stress, and endocrine balance.
However, large-scale, placebo-controlled human clinical trials are lacking, and regulatory agencies generally require more rigorous evidence before endorsing specific health claims. While anecdotal reports and historical use suggest that glandular ingredients may offer nutritional support, more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, glandular extracts continue to be valued by practitioners and consumers seeking holistic and traditional approaches to health, and they remain a subject of ongoing scientific interest.
Gland (unspecified) is used for these health conditions
Adrenal Fatigue (Traditional)