Adrenal Extract

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Adrenal Extract

Also indexed as: Protomorphogen (Adrenal), Suprarenal Extract

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What it is

Where found

Helpful for

Are you deficient?

Amount to take

Side effects & interactions

References

What is it?

Adrenal extracts are derived from the adrenal glands of bovine (beef)

sources. Commercially available adrenal extracts are made using the whole

gland (whole or total adrenal extracts) or just the cortex or outer portion

of the gland (adrenal cortex extracts). The adrenal glands are a pair of

small glands that lie just above the kidneys.

The possible benefits of adrenal extract are thought to be the result of a

combination of supplying small amounts of adrenal hormones and promoting

improved adrenal function. The adrenal medulla secretes the hormones

epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), while the

adrenal cortex secretes an entirely different group of hormones called

corticosteroids. Although all corticosteroids have similar chemical formulas

they differ in function. The three major types of corticosteroids are

mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol or

cortisone), and 17-ketosteroids (e.g., dehydroepiandrosterone [ DHEA]).

Adrenal extracts have been used in modern medicine since 1931, primarily in

the injectable form along with vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or vitamin C.

Although there is little in the area of scientific documentation for oral

administration, a series of animal studies demonstrated that oral

administration of adrenal extract to mice, rats, and dogs who had their

adrenal glands removed produced the same activity as injectable adrenal

extract.1 2 3

Whole adrenal extracts (usually in combination with essential nutrients

required for proper adrenal function) are most often used in cases of low

adrenal function presenting as fatigue, inability to cope with stress, and

reduced resistance to infection. Because extracts made from the adrenal

cortex contain small amounts of corticosteroids, they are typically used as

natural " cortisone in cases of allergy and inflammation ( asthma, eczema,

psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). The effectiveness of adrenal

extracts in these applications is unknown at this time. People taking

prescribed corticosteroids should never substitute these drugs with an

adrenal extract and should consult their physician before adding an adrenal

extract to their steroid treatment.

In a preliminary study done in the 1930s, 8 women suffering from nausea and

vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy received large amounts of

oral adrenal cortex extract. In most cases, vomiting stopped after 3 to 4

days.4 In a follow-up study, 202 women with nausea and vomiting due to

pregnancy received adrenal cortex extract, usually by injection at first,

followed by oral administration. More than 85% of the women were completely

relieved of the problem or showed definite improvement.5

Where is it found?

Adrenal extracts are available in capsules or tablets. Adrenal extracts

prepared for injection were commonly used at one time, but currently are

unavailable.

Adrenal extract has been used in connection with the following conditions

(refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

RatingHealth Concerns

Fatigue

Morning sickness

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial

health benefit.

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health

benefit or minimal health benefit.

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific

evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health

benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?

As adrenal extract is not an essential nutrient, no nutritional deficiency

state exists. However, some people sub-optimal adrenal function or frank

adrenal insufficiency. The diagnosis of adrenal problems should be made by a

physician.

How much is usually taken?

The amount of adrenal extract taken will depend upon the quality and potency

of the product. Follow the recommendations given on the product label or

those given by your healthcare provider.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Stomach irritation and/or nausea is a common side effect, especially with

higher potency products. Other possible side effects include a general

stimulatory effect that may manifest as anxiety, irritability, and/or

insomnia. Since no safety data exist for use during pregnancy or

breast-feeding, adrenal extract should not be used in these situations

unless supervised by a doctor.

Consumption of excessive amounts may produce signs and symptoms of

corticosteroid excess similar to those experienced with the drug prednisone.

However, serious side effects are not likely to result from taking a large

amount of an adrenal extract for a short period of time or from excessive

intake on a single occasion, but rather from long-term use of high amounts.

With prednisone (a synthetic cortisone-like drug) at lower doses (less than

10 mg per day), the most notable side effects are usually increased appetite

weight gain, retention of salt and water, and increased susceptibility to

infection.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with

adrenal extract.

References

1. Craveri F, De Pascale V. Activity of orally administered adrenocortical

extract. I. Effect on the survival test. Boll Chim Farm 1971;110:457-62.

2. Craveri F, De Pascale V. Activity of orally administered adrenocortical

extract. II. Effect on liver glycogenesis and sodium retention. Boll Chim

Farm 1971;110:457-62.

3. Craveri F, De Pascale V. Activity of orally administered adrenocortical

extract. III. Effect in tests based on muscular work. Boll Chim Farm 1971

110:457-62.

4. Kemp WN. Hyperemesis gravidarum treated as a temporary adrenal cortex

deficiency. Can Med Assoc J 1933;28:389-91.

5. Kemp WN. The vomiting of pregnancy treated as a temporary relative

insufficiency of maternal corticoadrenal function. Med Rec 1934;140:239-41.