Evidence supporting the use of: Adrenal extract
For the body system: Adrenal Glands
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Adrenal extract has a long history of traditional use, particularly in alternative and naturopathic medicine, as a supplement intended to "support" the adrenal glands and help manage symptoms attributed to so-called "adrenal fatigue" or stress-related exhaustion. The idea behind its use is that consuming extracts from animal adrenal glands (typically bovine or porcine) may provide nutrients or glandular components that can help restore or enhance human adrenal function. This belief largely stems from early 20th-century glandular therapy practices, which were based on the concept that "like heals like."
However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of adrenal extract supplements in humans. Modern medicine recognizes adrenal insufficiency (such as Addison’s disease), but treats it with specific hormone replacement therapy, not glandular extracts. Furthermore, "adrenal fatigue" is not recognized as a legitimate medical diagnosis by major endocrinology societies. No well-designed clinical trials demonstrate that adrenal extracts benefit adrenal health in otherwise healthy individuals or those with medically-diagnosed adrenal dysfunction.
In summary, while adrenal extract is used traditionally for adrenal support, scientific validation is lacking, and its use is not supported by current medical guidelines.
Other ingredients that support Adrenal Glands
adrenal cortexalfalfa
ashwagandha
astragalus
basil
bovine
bovine kidney
bovine liver
bupleurum falcatum
caterpillar mushroom
cordyceps
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
eleuthero
ginseng
guayusa
kelp
l-tyrosine
licorice root
maca
magnesium
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nettle
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phosphatidylserine
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhizome
rhodiola
skullcap
spearmint leaf
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin C
whole adrenal glandular
wild yam
zinc
sarsaparilla
suma
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
sodium salt
dioscorea
eucommia
ganoderma
trace minerals
yerba mate
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
ashitaba
sea salt
Animal Tissue
Antler
Adrenaline
Anemarrhena
Black Seed
Black spruce
Black galingale
Bovine Protein
Brazil nut
Ba Ji Tian
Barbasco
Bee products
Bupleurum
Curculigo orchicides
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cortisol
Codonopsis
Chuchuhuasi
Coca
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Campylandra fimbriata
Chinese Thoroughwax
cola nut
DHEA
Dendrobium
Deer Velvet
Devil's Club
Egg
Himalayan Salt
salt
Vervain
Other body systems supported by Adrenal extract
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Cortisol
Glandular System
Immune System
Sympathetic Nervous System