Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Porcine (pig-derived) extracts, particularly adrenal extracts, have a history of use in traditional and early 20th-century medicine for supporting adrenal function. Before the development of synthetic corticosteroids, desiccated adrenal gland extracts from animals, including pigs, were used to treat conditions thought to be related to adrenal insufficiency or fatigue. The rationale was based on the concept of "organotherapy," where consuming animal glands was believed to support the corresponding human organ. However, these practices were developed in the absence of rigorous scientific trials and before the hormonal content of these extracts was well characterized or standardized. As pharmaceutical-grade corticosteroids became available, use of animal adrenal extracts in mainstream medicine rapidly declined due to concerns about inconsistent potency, potential for allergic reactions, and risk of transmitting animal-borne diseases.

Currently, there is scant scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of porcine adrenal extracts for supporting the human adrenal cortex or treating adrenal-related disorders. No robust clinical trials have demonstrated benefit, and most modern scientific and medical organizations do not recommend their use. The continued use of porcine adrenal extracts is primarily found in alternative or naturopathic practices, drawing on traditional rather than evidence-based rationale.

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