Spleen Extract: What It Is, Uses, and Safety Concerns
Examine the use of animal-derived spleen extract, from its basis in traditional practices to its place as a modern, largely unregulated dietary supplement.
Spleen extract is a substance derived from the spleens of animals, which has been used in some traditional health practices and is now sold as a dietary supplement. The spleen itself is an organ involved in filtering blood and supporting the immune system. These supplements are marketed with various health claims, though their history is rooted in older medicinal systems.
What is Spleen Extract Made From?
Spleen extracts are produced from the spleen tissue of animals, with the most common sources being bovine (cow), porcine (pig), and ovine (sheep). Manufacturers use several processing methods to prepare the final product, which can be sold as a powder, capsule, or liquid.
The preparation begins with fresh or frozen animal spleens. One common method is freeze-drying, where the tissue is frozen and then placed in a vacuum to remove water, which helps preserve its chemical composition. Other processes can include defatting the tissue or creating an aqueous solution that is filtered to concentrate components like peptides and proteins.
Traditional Uses of Spleen Preparations
Historically, cultures used animal organs based on the principle of “like-for-like,” where consuming an organ was believed to support the corresponding human organ. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen is part of the digestive system, governing the transformation of food into energy (Qi) and blood. Spleen preparations were therefore used to address issues related to digestion, fatigue, and poor appetite.
These traditional applications were based on theoretical frameworks and observation rather than modern clinical trials. The spleen was thought to nourish the blood and maintain vitality. Consequently, preparations from animal spleens were recommended for individuals with a perceived “spleen deficiency,” manifesting as digestive weakness or a general lack of energy.
Spleen Extract in Modern Supplements
Today’s spleen extract supplements are marketed for their ability to support the immune system. Proponents claim these products can enhance the function of white blood cells. Some claims suggest that spleen extract provides specific peptides, such as tuftsin and splenopentin, which have been studied for their roles in immune cell activation. Tuftsin, for example, is a peptide observed in laboratory settings to stimulate the activity of phagocytic cells, a type of white blood cell that engulfs pathogens.
Additional claims for spleen extract supplements include improving energy levels and supporting overall blood health. The theory is that consuming spleen tissue provides the body with the nutrients found within the organ. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims in humans is limited, as many available studies are outdated, were conducted on animals, or performed in laboratory settings instead of human clinical trials.
While the components within spleen tissue have known biological functions, consuming them as an oral supplement does not guarantee they will be absorbed and utilized by the body in a targeted way. The digestive process breaks down proteins and peptides into smaller amino acids. It is unclear if specific molecules like tuftsin reach target cells intact and in sufficient quantities to exert a therapeutic effect.
Important Considerations and Regulation
Because these supplements are derived from animal tissues, there is a risk of contamination if the source animals are diseased. A primary concern is the potential for transmitting bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or “mad cow disease,” from bovine-sourced extracts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to manufacturers about using bovine tissues from countries where BSE has been reported.
In the United States, spleen extract is regulated as a dietary supplement and is not subject to the same pre-market safety and efficacy testing as pharmaceutical drugs. The responsibility for ensuring product safety and truthful marketing falls on the manufacturers. This can lead to variability in product quality, purity, and potency. Consumers should choose products from reputable manufacturers that provide transparency about their sourcing and processing methods. It is also advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking spleen extract, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems, autoimmune conditions, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.