Porcine kidney (Sus scrofa)
Synopsis
Porcine kidney refers to the kidney tissue of pigs, used primarily in glandular therapy, a practice in which animal organs are consumed to support the corresponding organ function in humans. Porcine kidney is rich in renal-specific proteins, enzymes, nucleotides, amino acids, and trace amounts of renal hormones such as renin and erythropoietin, depending on how the material is processed. It is usually provided in desiccated (freeze-dried) supplement form.
In integrative and naturopathic medicine, porcine kidney is used to support kidney health, especially in cases of chronic fatigue, fluid retention, lower back weakness, or mild renal insufficiency. The concept behind glandular therapy is that “like supports like”—the ingestion of healthy animal kidney tissue may provide nutritional or energetic support to the human kidneys.
Porcine kidney may also be used in formulas designed to support adrenal and urinary function, and it can be found in multi-glandular supplements aimed at promoting endocrine system balance. It is sometimes used in protocols for people with a high toxic burden, as the kidneys play a central role in filtration and detoxification.
Safety and efficacy largely depend on quality control, source purity, and processing methods. High-quality products are rigorously tested to ensure no residual hormones, pathogens, or heavy metals are present.
Historical Use in Medicine:
The use of animal organs for health dates back thousands of years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidney is considered one of the most vital organs, associated with longevity, reproductive energy, and the "essence" (Jing). While TCM does not specifically use porcine kidney, the concept of nourishing kidney energy with food and herbs—especially animal organs—was well established.
In early Western medicine, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the concept of organotherapy gained popularity. Pioneered in Europe, organotherapy involved consuming raw or prepared animal organs to restore function to the corresponding human organ. Kidney extracts were sometimes prescribed to support fluid balance, anemia, and weakness associated with kidney fatigue or degeneration.
The practice saw a resurgence in the mid-20th century through naturopathic and biological medicine in Germany and the U.S., particularly in the form of freeze-dried glandular supplements. Kidney extracts were often included in detoxification protocols and constitutional rebuilding strategies.
Today, porcine kidney continues to be used in functional medicine and naturopathy, primarily in the context of glandular support, though it remains outside the realm of mainstream medical practice. Its use reflects an enduring belief in nutritional synergy between animal organs and human physiology.
Body Systems
Adrenal Cortex (Traditional)
Kidneys (Science)
Lymphatics (Science)
Urinary System (Science)