Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Gland (mixed) preparations, which include extracts from various animal glands (such as adrenal, thymus, thyroid, etc.), have a long history of use in traditional and naturopathic medicine for supporting recovery during convalescence—the period of recovery after illness or surgery. The rationale behind their use is based on the concept of “organotherapy,” which posits that consuming glandular tissues may help support or restore the function of the corresponding human organs, thereby aiding overall recovery and vitality. This practice became particularly popular in the early 20th century, prior to the development of synthetic hormone therapies and modern pharmaceuticals.

However, scientific validation for the efficacy of mixed glandular extracts in aiding convalescence is very limited. Most supporting evidence is anecdotal or based on case reports rather than robust clinical trials. While animal glands do contain hormones, enzymes, and nutrients, there is little evidence that these substances survive digestion in a form that can significantly impact human physiology. Regulatory and safety concerns also exist due to potential contaminants or inappropriate hormone exposure. As such, the use of glandular extracts for convalescence is largely supported by tradition rather than modern scientific research, and the overall quality of evidence is low (rated 1/5).

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