Carnation

An adrenal extract is a chemical produced from the adrenal glands (also known as adrenal glands) of slaughtered cows, pigs and sheep. The adrenal glands produce certain hormones. The extract from these glands is also used as a supplement. It can be taken orally, used sublingually under the tongue or injected intravenously. Taken orally, adrenal extracts are used for reduced adrenal function, fatigue, stress, reduced resistance to disease, severe allergies, asthma, certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Some people place adrenal extracts under the tongue for physical or emotional stress, poor stress tolerance, general fatigue, allergies, autoimmune disorders, depression, pain and swelling, low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, drug and alcohol withdrawal, and after discontinuing cortisone medications. Adrenal extracts are administered intravenously to treat reduced adrenal function, high blood potassium levels and ulcerative colitis, as well as to prevent miscarriages.

How do adrenal extracts work?

The adrenal glands are located on the kidneys. They regulate the body's response to stress by producing certain hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. People use animal-derived adrenal extracts in the hope that these extracts will work in the same way as the body's adrenal glands. However, it is not known whether the body can absorb adrenal extra cts or how these extracts might work.

How effective are adrenal extracts?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective adrenal extra cts are for reduced adrenal function, fatigue, stress, allergies, asthma, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar levels, as well as for fighting disease or supporting alcohol or drug withdrawal. Further scientific research is needed in this area.

Are there any safety concerns?

Adrenal extracts are not safe and harmless when injected. There are numerous reports of serious infections at the injection site following injection of adrenal extracts. There is not enough information on the safety of taking adrenal extra cts orally. However, there are serious concerns. Adrenal extracts are made from adrenal glands collected from slaughterhouses and could potentially come from diseased animals. You should not use adrenal extracts from countries where there are cases of BSE. If you do not know for sure that an adrenal extract comes from a BSE-free country, then you should not use it.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of adrenal extracts during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid adrenal extracts to be on the safe side.

Reduced immune function: If the body is unable to fight disease normally due to reduced immune system function, then the risk of infection from adrenal extracts is higher than in healthy people. Possible reasons for reduced immune function include AIDS/HIV infections and taking medication to prevent rejection after organ transplants.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of adrenal extracts with medications or other supplements.

Dosage

There is not enough scientific data at this time to determine a standard dosage for adrenal extracts. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label or consult a doctor or pharmacist.