What does Adrenal Extract do?

Animal gland extract with no clinical evidence supporting its use as an oral supplement.

Is Adrenal Extract safe?

No clinical trials exist supporting oral adrenal extract supplements for any health condition

Adrenal Extract - Science-Based Research

What the Science Says

Adrenal extract is a product derived from the adrenal glands of animals, typically cattle or pigs. Historically, adrenal gland extracts were studied as a source of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine — hormones that regulate stress response, blood pressure, and blood sugar. However, the research available concerns injected pharmaceutical-grade epinephrine, not oral adrenal extract supplements sold in health stores. There is no clinical evidence from the provided studies that taking adrenal extract orally produces any meaningful hormonal or health benefit.

What It Doesn't Do

Won't treat adrenal fatigue — that condition isn't recognized by mainstream medicine. No evidence it boosts energy or reduces stress in humans. Oral supplements are unlikely to deliver active hormones intact, since digestion breaks down proteins and hormones before they reach the bloodstream. Not a substitute for medically prescribed hormone therapy. No proven benefit for immune function, weight loss, or mood.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Adrenal extract is a product derived from the adrenal glands of animals, typically cattle or pigs. Historically, adrenal gland extracts were studied as a source of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine — hormones that regulate stress response, blood pressure, and blood sugar. However, the research available concerns injected pharmaceutical-grade epinephrine, not oral adrenal extract supplements sold in health stores. There is no clinical evidence from the provided studies that taking adrenal extract orally produces any meaningful hormonal or health benefit.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose (insufficient research data)

Source: auto-research

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine found in adrenal tissue are broken down during digestion. No oral bioavailability data exists in the provided studies.

Red Flags to Watch For

No clinical trials exist supporting oral adrenal extract supplements for any health condition
Products may contain variable and unlabeled amounts of hormones, posing cardiovascular risks
The term 'adrenal fatigue' used to market these products is not a recognized medical diagnosis
Over 1,000 supplement products contain this ingredient despite a near-total absence of human clinical evidence
Potential contamination risk from animal-sourced glandular materials, including prion-related concerns

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD