Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Adrenal cortex extract has some scientific rationale for use in the support or treatment of hypotension, particularly in the context of adrenal insufficiency (such as Addison's disease). The adrenal cortex naturally produces corticosteroids, including cortisol and aldosterone, which play crucial roles in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. In cases of adrenal insufficiency, the body is unable to produce adequate amounts of these hormones, often resulting in hypotension (low blood pressure) due to decreased sodium retention and vascular tone.

Historically, before the availability of purified synthetic corticosteroids, extracts from animal adrenal cortex were used as a form of hormone replacement therapy. These extracts were shown to alleviate symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, including low blood pressure. However, the use of crude adrenal extracts has largely been replaced by standardized pharmaceutical preparations (such as hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone), which are more effective, consistent, and safe.

Current scientific evidence supports the concept that replacing deficient adrenal hormones can correct hypotension in adrenal insufficiency. However, the use of adrenal cortex "extracts" as dietary supplements or non-standardized therapies is not supported by robust modern clinical trials for general hypotension in people with normal adrenal function. Therefore, while there is a scientific basis for using adrenal cortex-derived hormones in adrenal insufficiency, its general use for hypotension outside this context is not well validated.

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