SPLEEN EXTRACT: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

The spleen is an organ in people and animals. Its main jobs are to break down and remove old and damaged red blood cells and to provide some white blood cells to fight infection. Spleen extract is produced from animal spleens and is used as medicine.

People use spleen extract for conditions such low white blood cell counts, cancer, autoimmune diseases, infections, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Spleen extract contains ingredients that are thought to stimulate the immune system.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Replacement therapy in cases where the spleen has been removed or isn't working well.
Infections.
Boosting the immune system.
Celiac disease.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
A skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Kidney disease.
A blood disorder called thrombocytopenia.
Ulcerative colitis.
A blood vessel disorder called vasculitis.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of spleen extract for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: It is not known if spleen extract is safe or what the side effects might be. There is some concern about contamination of spleen extract from sick or diseased animals. In particular, there is concern that spleen extract might cause bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) due to contamination if obtained in countries where BSE has been reported. While this side effect hasn't been reported in humans, it's best to avoid using spleen extract from countries where BSE has been reported.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if spleen extract is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for SPLEEN EXTRACT overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of spleen extract depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for spleen extract. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Agrawal, A. K. and Gupta, C. M. Tuftsin-bearing liposomes in treatment of macrophage-based infections. Adv.Drug Deliv.Rev. 3-30-2000;41(2):135-146. View abstract.

Kubo, S., Roh, M. S., Oyedeji, C., Romsdahl, M. M., and Nishioka, K. Effect of tuftsin on human Kupffer cell. Hepatogastroenterology 1998;45(24):2270-2274. View abstract.

Mathe, G. Do tuftsin and bestatin constitute a biopharmacological immunoregulatory system? Cancer Detect.Prev.Suppl 1987;1:445-455. View abstract.

Naim, J. O., Lanzafame, R. J., and van Oss, C. J. The effect of anti-tuftsin antibody on the phagocytosis of bacteria by human neutrophils. Immunol.Invest 1991;20(5-6):499-506. View abstract.

Najjar, V. A. Tuftsin, a natural activator of phagocyte cells: an overview. Ann.N.Y.Acad.Sci. 1983;419:1-11. View abstract.

Nishioka, K. Migration enhancement by tuftsin of human mononuclear cells and its effect on the migration inhibition factor test with tumor antigens. Gann 1978;69(4):569-572. View abstract.

Nishioka, K., Amoscato, A. A., and Babcock, G. F. Tuftsin: a hormone-like tetrapeptide with antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Life Sci. 3-9-1981;28(10):1081-1090. View abstract.

Nishioka, K., Wagle, J. R., Rodriguez, T., Jr., Maeta, M., Kubo, S., and Dessens, S. E. Studies of human granulocyte phagocytosis stimulation by tuftsin. J.Surg.Res. 1994;56(1):94-101. View abstract.

Spirer, Z., Zakuth, V., Tzehoval, E., Dagan, S., Fridkin, M., Golander, A., and Melamed, I. Tuftsin stimulates IL-1 production by human mononuclear cells, human spleen cells and mouse spleen cells in vitro. J.Clin.Lab Immunol. 1989;28(1):27-31. View abstract.

Corazza GR, Zoli G, Ginaldi L, et al. Tuftsin deficiency in AIDS. Lancet 1991;337:12-3. View abstract.

Fridkin M, Najjar VA. Tuftsin: its chemistry, biology, and clinical potential. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 1989;24:1-40. View abstract.

Lewis CJ. Letter to reiterate certain public health and safety concerns to firms manufacturing or importing dietary supplements that contain specific bovine tissues. FDA. Available at: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr05.html.

Murray MT. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Health, 1996.

Volk HD, Eckert R, Diamantstein T, Schmitz H. [Immunorestitutive action of hydrolysates and ultrafiltrates of bovine spleen]. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:1281-5. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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