Q. Are glandular extracts from animals effective when taken orally? My doctor told me that my stomach would break them down into useless particles. Is this true?
A. Science has, without question, confirmed that certain glandular preparations—and hormones found in these preparations—are quite effective when taken orally. It is well established that a number of glandular preparations are effective orally because of their hormone or enzyme content (e.g., thyroid, adrenal cortex, and pancreatin preparations). There is also a good deal of research support for pharmaceutical-grade liver, aorta, and thymus extracts, and some support for pituitary, spleen, orchic (testes), and ovarian extracts as well. However, despite the scientific evidence, many doctors still question the effectiveness of glandular products in enhancing human health.
It is critical that consumers purchase glandular products from reputable companies, as improperly processed glandular material will not produce results. The biologically active material, such as enzymes, soluble proteins, natural lipid factors, vitamins, minerals, and hormone precursors, are destroyed or eliminated if the product is not prepared properly.
Michael Murray, ND, is one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine and a contributor to the Healthnotes, Inc. team of experts. Dr. Murray is the author of A Textbook of Natural Medicine, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, and The Healing Power of Herbs. He also authors Dr. Murray’s Electronic Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, an exclusive Healthnotes product.