Adrenal Extract
Research reviewed: 1992–2015
Adrenal Extract (Bovine adrenal extract) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 436 participants, researched for Adrenal Support & Cortisol Balance, Fatigue, Stress Response and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Adrenal Support & Cortisol Balance
ModerateFatigue
ModerateStress Response
ModerateReview Evidence
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Adrenal Support & Cortisol Balance
Evaluate adrenal cortex extract on cortisol balance and stress response
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate adrenal cortex extract on cortisol balance and stress response
Dose
Adrenal cortex extract 250 mg/day
Participants
55
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Improved diurnal cortisol pattern; elevated morning cortisol (if low at baseline); reduced cortisol in stressed individuals
How They Measured It
Salivary cortisol (diurnal), DHEA, stress questionnaires
Assess adrenal extract on cortisol and DHEA in chronic fatigue
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess adrenal extract on cortisol and DHEA in chronic fatigue
Dose
Adrenal extract 500 mg/day
Participants
60
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Cortisol normalised; DHEA-S improved; fatigue scores significantly reduced; quality of life improved
How They Measured It
Salivary cortisol, DHEA-S, fatigue scales
Fatigue
Evaluate adrenal extract on chronic fatigue symptoms
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate adrenal extract on chronic fatigue symptoms
Dose
Adrenal extract 400 mg/day
Participants
80
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in fatigue severity scores (−42%); improved energy and mental clarity; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Fatigue severity scale, energy VAS, cognitive function
Assess adrenal glandular extract for adrenal insufficiency support
Study Type
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess adrenal glandular extract for adrenal insufficiency support
Dose
Adrenal cortex extract 200 mg/day
Participants
52
Duration
10 weeks
Results
Improved morning cortisol levels; ACTH stimulation response normalised; fatigue scores improved; considered safe
How They Measured It
Cortisol morning levels, fatigue, ACTH stimulation response
Stress Response
Test adrenal extract on stress response and cortisol reactivity
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test adrenal extract on stress response and cortisol reactivity
Dose
Adrenal extract 300 mg/day
Participants
45
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Reduced cortisol reactivity to acute stress; anxiety scores improved; mood stability enhanced; no adverse effects
How They Measured It
Cortisol stress reactivity test, anxiety scales, mood
Evaluate adrenal extract on stress hormones in high-stress professionals
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate adrenal extract on stress hormones in high-stress professionals
Dose
Adrenal extract 500 mg/day
Participants
60
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Cortisol levels normalised; adrenaline response to stress reduced; sleep quality improved; occupational stress scores reduced
How They Measured It
Cortisol, adrenaline, mood, sleep quality
Review Evidence
Assess adrenal cortex extract safety and tolerability
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess adrenal cortex extract safety and tolerability
Dose
Adrenal cortex extract 500 mg/day
Participants
44
Duration
12 weeks
Results
No significant adverse events; liver function normal throughout; cortisol levels in physiological range; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Adverse events, liver function, cortisol levels, vital signs
Review adrenal extract clinical evidence for adrenal support
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Review adrenal extract clinical evidence for adrenal support
Dose
Various
Participants
40
Duration
Various
Results
Evidence supports adrenal extract use for fatigue and stress management; cortisol normalisation consistent finding; evidence quality moderate
How They Measured It
Narrative review of clinical trials for adrenal fatigue and support
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Adrenal Extract research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Adrenal Extract (Bovine adrenal extract), involving 436 total participants. Research covers Adrenal Support, Fatigue, Stress Response and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Adrenal Extract has been researched for: Adrenal Support, Fatigue, Stress Response, Cortisol Balance. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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