Evidence supporting the use of: Bovine
For the body system: Adrenal Glands

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bovine adrenal gland extracts have been used in traditional and alternative medicine practices for decades, primarily in the form of "glandular therapy." The rationale is that consuming animal glandular tissue can support or "nourish" the corresponding human gland, in this case, the adrenal glands, which produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This practice has its roots in early 20th-century naturopathy and was popularized before the mechanisms of hormone regulation were fully understood. Practitioners believed that glandular extracts could restore vitality, improve stress response, and address symptoms of "adrenal fatigue," a concept not recognized by mainstream medicine.

However, there is minimal scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of bovine adrenal supplements for adrenal health in humans. Modern research has not demonstrated that orally ingested adrenal tissue can survive digestion or meaningfully influence human adrenal function. Most scientific authorities consider adrenal extracts to be unproven and potentially risky due to variability in product content and the possibility of immune reactions or contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve these supplements for the treatment of any disease. In summary, the use of bovine adrenal gland for adrenal support is based on traditional beliefs rather than scientific validation.

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