Synopsis

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

"Adrenal" supplements, often derived from bovine adrenal gland extracts, have been traditionally used in alternative medicine to support the sympathetic nervous system and manage symptoms related to "adrenal fatigue" or stress. The rationale behind their use is rooted in early 20th-century glandular therapy, which posits that consuming animal glandular tissues can support the corresponding human organs or systems. Proponents claim that adrenal extracts can help balance energy, stress response, and the sympathetic nervous system’s "fight or flight" activity. However, scientific validation for these claims is minimal. There are no well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating that oral adrenal gland extracts have a measurable or beneficial effect on human adrenal function, cortisol levels, or sympathetic nervous system activity. Most scientific organizations, including the Endocrine Society, do not recognize "adrenal fatigue" as a legitimate medical diagnosis, and warn against the use of such supplements due to lack of efficacy data and possible safety issues. The use of adrenal extracts remains based largely on tradition and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific evidence. In summary, while adrenal extracts have a historical basis for use in supporting the sympathetic nervous system, scientific support is lacking, and their efficacy is unproven by modern clinical research.

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