Spleen extract as a therapeutic supplement
Spleen extract is a dietary supplement derived from the spleens of nonhuman animals, typically cows or pigs, and is marketed primarily for its supposed immune-supporting properties. Proponents claim that it may help strengthen the immune system, support autoimmune conditions, assist with kidney diseases, address blood disorders, and aid in recovery after splenectomy. The extract is based on the idea that consuming animal organ tissues can provide nutritional benefits or support corresponding human organs. However, there is limited scientific evidence to substantiate these claims, and many of the studies available are outdated and do not meet modern research standards.
Additionally, while some small studies hint at potential benefits for specific conditions, including HIV/AIDS and ulcerative colitis, the overall efficacy of spleen extract remains unproven. The concept behind these supplements can sometimes echo ancient beliefs about the connection between organ consumption and health benefits, reminiscent of "sympathetic magic." As interest in alternative therapies grows, ongoing research may further explore the therapeutic applications of spleen extract, though a cautious approach is advised given the current lack of robust scientific validation.
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Subject Terms
Spleen extract as a therapeutic supplement
DEFINITION: Natural substance derived from nonhuman animals and used as a supplement to strengthen the immune system.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Immune support, autoimmune disease support, kidney disease, blood disorder, ulcerative colitis, replacement therapy after splenectomy, adjunct cancer therapy
Overview
The spleen is an organ located under the left side of the rib cage. Its functions include removing “worn-out” red blood cells and supplying certain types of white blood cells (immune cells). Spleen extracts are made from the spleens of cows, pigs, or other animals for use as supplements.
According to a theory prevalent in some parts of alternative medicine, consuming spleen extracts can strengthen the function of an underperforming spleen. On this basis, spleen extracts are sometimes suggested to support the immune system. However, there is no meaningful scientific rationale or scientific evidence to indicate that this approach actually works.
Some manufacturers of glandular products claim that the animal version of an organ provides nutrients that support the corresponding organ in humans. However, there is no evidence that the human spleen requires any nutrients uniquely available in animal spleens.
One manufacturer suggested that consuming extracts of an organ might indirectly offer benefits. According to this theory, some people may possess antibodies to their own organs, and if they consume a similar organ, these antibodies will be diverted from their target. However, this explanation does not make a great deal of sense. Antibodies are primarily produced against proteins, and even if cow spleens had the same proteins as human spleens, which is unlikely, proteins are digested in the intestines and not absorbed whole into the bloodstream.
It may be that, on an unconscious level, those who recommend glandular extracts are being influenced by the ancient notion of “sympathetic magic”–the idea that eating a lion’s heart, for example, will create courage. However, this is a prescientific form of reasoning that is difficult to take seriously in the twenty-first century.
There is limited meaningful scientific evidence to indicate spleen extracts offers any benefits. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can show a treatment effective, and only a handful of small-scale studies of this type have been reported for spleen extracts. Many published studies on oral use of spleen glandular extracts date back to the 1930s and do not remotely reach current scientific standards. Some studies have evaluated injected extracts of spleen, but these findings are not likely to apply to the oral product.
Still, several additional suggested therapeutic uses of spleen extract are under investigation in the twenty-first century. These include aiding in recovery from infections and addressing low blood cell counts. One small study indicated that spleen extract may be effective in supporting patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Other conditions that may benefit from supplementation with spleen extract include replacement therapy after spleen removal, treatment of kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcerative colitis, and vasculitis, and as an adjunct therapy for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Bibliography
Gray, G. A. "The Treatment of Agranulocytic Angina with Fetal Calf Spleen." Texas State Journal of Medicine, vol. 29, 1933, pp. 366-369.
Greer, A. E. "Use of Fetal Spleen in Agranulocytosis: Preliminary Report." Texas State Journal of Medicine, vol. 28, 1932, pp. 338-343.
Merchant, Elise, and Wendy Stead. "No Spleen? What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy." Harvard Health, 24 Apr. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/no-spleen-what-you-need-to-know-to-stay-healthy-2020042419641. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
Minter, M. M. "Agranulocytic Angina: Treatment of a Case with Fetal Calf Spleen." Texas State Journal of Medicine, vol. 29, 1933, pp. 338-343.
"Spleen Extract: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions." RxList, www.rxlist.com/supplements/spleen‗extract.htm. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
"Spleen Extract: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews." WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1015/spleen-extract. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
"Spleen Extracts - Uses." Kaiser Permanente Washington, 24 Mar. 2015, wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2911006. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.