What do they do?
Spleen extracts are extracts derived from the spleens of beef (bovine) sources. The spleen
is a fist-sized, spongy, dark purple organ that lies in the upper left abdomen behind the
lower ribs. Weighing about 7 ounces, the spleen is the largest mass of lymphatic tissue in the
body. The spleen produces white blood cells, engulfs and destroys bacteria and cellular
debris, and destroys worn-out red blood cells and platelets.
A series of case reports in the early 1930s demonstrated that orally administered bovine
spleen extracts were able to raise white-blood-cell counts in individuals with extremely low
counts, as well as to benefit patients with malaria and typhoid fever.1
2 3 However, there do not appear to be any more recent studies with these
sorts of preparations. Most of the recent research with spleen extracts has focused on the use
of injectable preparations or isolated spleen proteins, such as tuftsin and
splenopentin.4 5 6 7 Although these preparations
have been shown to enhance immune function, it is
not known whether the same benefits can be obtained with oral preparations.
Where are they found?
Spleen extracts are available as nutritional supplements in capsules and tablets.
Spleen extracts have been
used in connection with the following condition (refer to the
individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
As spleen extract is not an essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists.
How much is usually taken?
The recommended amount depends on the concentration, method of preparation, and quality of
the extract. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on the label.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects or adverse effects have been reported with the use of oral spleen
preparations.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with spleen extracts. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References
1. Minter MM. Agranulocytic angina: Treatment of a case with fetal calf
spleen. Texas State J Med 1933;2:338–43.
2. Gray GA. The treatment of agranulocytic angina with fetal calf spleen.
Texas State J Med 1933;29:366–9.
3. Greer AE. Use of fetal spleen in agranulocytosis: preliminary report.
Texas State J Med 1932;28:338–43.
4. Volk HD, Eckert R, Diamantstein T, Schmitz H. Immunorestitution by a
bovine spleen hydrosylate and ultrafiltrate. Arzneimittelforschung
1991;41:1281–5.
5. Hartleb M, Leuschner J. Toxicological profile of a low molecular
weight spleen peptide formulation used in supportive cancer therapy.
Arzneimittelforschung 1997;47:1047–51.
6. Fridkin M, Najjar VA. Tuftsin: its chemistry, biology, and clinical
potential. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 1989;24:1–40 [review].
7. Singh VK, Biswas S, Mathur KB, et al. Thymopentin and splenopentin as
immunomodulators. Current status. Immunol Res 1998;17:345–68 [review].
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purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.