Spleen Extracts

What do they do? 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 beef (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):

Rating Health Concerns
2Stars Cancer chemotherapy, adverse effects
1Star Low white-blood-cell count
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

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 medications may interact with spleen extracts. Refer to the drug interactions safety check for a list of those medications.

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].