Thymus extract

Related Terms

Aqueous calf thymus extract, bovine thymic extract, calf thymus, calf thymus acid lysate, calf thymus extract, calf-thymus lysate, calf thymus nuclear extract, Complete Thymic Formula?, CSFa, CSFb, CTE, facteur thymique serique, fetal thymus, fraction V, FTS, glandular therapy, hormonal thymic factor, IFX, immunophan, Leucotrofina, leucotrofina-L (Timolimfotropina-T), leukotrophin, oligopeptide (fractionV), organotherapy, peptide thymosin alpha 1, polypeptides, polypeptide thymus extract, rabbit thymus, RTE, serum thymic factor, tactivin, T-activin, taktivin, Talpha1, TFX, TFX-JELFA ini., ThymalfasinT (thymosin alpha1, Talpha1, Zadaxin?, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), thymalin, thymex L, thymex-L, thymic calf extract (leucotrofina), thymic extract, thymic factor, thymic factor X, thymus glandular extract, thymic hormones, thymic humoral factor, thymic peptides, Thymoject?, thymomodulin, thymomodulins, thymopoietin, thymosin, thymosin alpha, thymosin alpha 1, thymosin fraction 5, thymosin fraction V, thymostimulin (TS, TST, Tp-1, Serono, bovine thymic extract), thymsin (TP-1), thymulin, thymus extract (TFX-JELFA ini.), Thymus Extract Mulli?, thymus gland, TP1, TP-1, Tp-1 Serono, TS, TST, ubiquitin, umoral factor, vilozen, whole calf thymus extract (TFX-Polfa), Zadaxin?.
Combination products (examples): ThymuskinT treatment gel (contains synthetic thymus hydrolysate, etc.), ThymuskinT shampoo (contains thymus extract, etc.).

Background

The thymus is a lobular gland located under the breastbone near the thyroid gland that plays a role in immune function. With age, the thymus is replaced by fat and connective tissue.
According to legend, glandular or organotherapy, which refers to the use of animal tissues or cell preparations to improve physiologic functioning and support the natural healing process, first gained popularity in the early to mid 1900s. The idea of homeopathic glandular therapy was first introduced almost 200 years ago. Thymus extracts for nutritional supplements usually come from young calves (bovine). Bovine thymus extracts are found in capsules and tablets as dietary supplements.
Thymus extract is commonly used to stimulate the immune system and to treat bone marrow failure, autoimmune disorders, chronic skin diseases, recurrent viral and bacterial infections, hepatitis, allergies, chemotherapy side effects, and cancer. Most basic and clinical research involving oral and injectable thymus extract has been conducted in Europe.
Studies in humans suggest promising results in terms of allergies, asthma, cancer, chemotherapeutic side effects, cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, and tuberculosis and to stimulate the immune system However, not all study results agree, and more well designed studies are still needed in many fields.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for allergy symptom reduction. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for allergy symptom reduction. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for hair re-growth. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for hair re-growth. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Thymus extract has been investigated for use in immune-modulating acute stress and adaptive disorders. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Thymus extract has been investigated for use in immune-modulating acute stress and adaptive disorders. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


From the available evidence, any potential benefit of thymus extract is unclear. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


From the available evidence, any potential benefit of thymus extract is unclear. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for asthma symptom reduction. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for asthma symptom reduction. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Thymus extract may be useful for reducing infections, septicemia, and mortality. However, the evidence is mixed. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Thymus extract may be useful for reducing infections, septicemia, and mortality. However, the evidence is mixed. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and increase disease-free survival. Early studies have investigated thymus extract for the treatment of hematopoietic cancer, histiocytosis X, larynx and oropharnygeal cancer, and skin cancer, among others. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and increase disease-free survival. Early studies have investigated thymus extract for the treatment of hematopoietic cancer, histiocytosis X, larynx and oropharnygeal cancer, and skin cancer, among others. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may increase left ventricular function, exercise tolerance, and survival. Additional study is needed in this area.

C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may increase left ventricular function, exercise tolerance, and survival. Additional study is needed in this area.

C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for reducing disease exacerbations and hospital admission. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for reducing disease exacerbations and hospital admission. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Thymus extract is of interest for treatment of dermatomyositis (inflammation of the muscles) due to its role in stimulating the immune system. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Thymus extract is of interest for treatment of dermatomyositis (inflammation of the muscles) due to its role in stimulating the immune system. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence in conventionally treated patients with type I diabetes suggests that a combination of azathioprine and thymostimulin increased remission. Thymostimulin alone had no effect. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence in conventionally treated patients with type I diabetes suggests that a combination of azathioprine and thymostimulin increased remission. Thymostimulin alone had no effect. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract has no clinical effect in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. However, additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract has no clinical effect in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. However, additional study is needed in this area.

 C


More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for the treatment of glaucoma or keratitis.

 C


More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for the treatment of glaucoma or keratitis.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract speeds healing of gastric lesions. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract speeds healing of gastric lesions. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence found no improvement in HIV progression to AIDS or immunostimulation, although some immunological activity was noted in a non-randomized controlled trial. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence found no improvement in HIV progression to AIDS or immunostimulation, although some immunological activity was noted in a non-randomized controlled trial. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Thymus extract is of interest in the treatment of human papillomavirus due to its role in immunostimulation. Preliminary positive results were found in five cases. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Thymus extract is of interest in the treatment of human papillomavirus due to its role in immunostimulation. Preliminary positive results were found in five cases. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract increases T- and B-lymphocyte counts, the number of rosette-forming cells, and response of T-lymphocytes. Also, in cancer patients, T-activin significantly increases the number of natural killer cells (CD16+). Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract increases T- and B-lymphocyte counts, the number of rosette-forming cells, and response of T-lymphocytes. Also, in cancer patients, T-activin significantly increases the number of natural killer cells (CD16+). Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may offer benefit to individuals with HIV/AIDS and human papillomavirus. Also, thymus extract is of interest due to its role in immunostimulation. More well-designed studies are required in the area of non-hepatitis B and hepatitis B liver disorders before conclusions can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may offer benefit to individuals with HIV/AIDS and human papillomavirus. Also, thymus extract is of interest due to its role in immunostimulation. More well-designed studies are required in the area of non-hepatitis B and hepatitis B liver disorders before conclusions can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Thymus extract is of interest in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome due to its role in immunostimulation in vitro and in human and animal studies. Additional study is needed in this area.

C


Thymus extract is of interest in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome due to its role in immunostimulation in vitro and in human and animal studies. Additional study is needed in this area.

C


Preliminary evidence suggests that both intramuscular and oral thymus extract may be useful for reducing the presence of respiratory tract symptoms. Additional study is need in this area.

C


Preliminary evidence suggests that both intramuscular and oral thymus extract may be useful for reducing the presence of respiratory tract symptoms. Additional study is need in this area.

C


Despite use of thymus extracts for dermatological conditions, there is currently inconclusive evidence recommending thymus extract for or against the use in skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

 C


Despite use of thymus extracts for dermatological conditions, there is currently inconclusive evidence recommending thymus extract for or against the use in skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

 C


Preliminary results indicate that articular and cutaneous symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus can be improved with thymus extract use. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary results indicate that articular and cutaneous symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus can be improved with thymus extract use. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Although inconclusive, preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may improve effectiveness of antibacterial therapy in patients with tuberculosis. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Although inconclusive, preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may improve effectiveness of antibacterial therapy in patients with tuberculosis. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence from a controlled trial suggests that thymus extract reduces re-infection frequency and infection persistence. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C


Preliminary evidence from a controlled trial suggests that thymus extract reduces re-infection frequency and infection persistence. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made involving thymus extract for this use.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven effective dose for thymus extract. Thymus extract is typically given as an injection, although thymomodulin 80 milligrams has been taken by mouth daily for up to 90 days for the treatment of asthma, and hepatitis B and C. Injections have been given for the treatment of arthritis, breast cancer, burns, cancer, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eczema, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, human papillomavirus infections, immunostimulation, keratitis, liver disease, male infertility, psoriasis, sinusitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and urinary tract infections. A number of doses have been used, but none have been standardized. Injections should only be given under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals, including a pharmacist.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
In humans, a combination of azathioprine and thymostimulin may be beneficial in the management of type I diabetes. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
Thymus extract may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Although not well studied in humans, purified thymus gland extract may decrease average thyroid gland weights and serum T3 serum levels and significantly decreased serum T4 levels. It is not clear what effects thymus gland extract would have on external thyroid hormones.
Thymus extract may increase the effects of antibiotics, antihistamines, anticancer drugs that reduce anxiety (anxiolytics), bronchodilators, conventional medications for the treatment of cardiomyopathy, corticosteroids, drugs with hormonal effects, drugs that affect the immune system, fumaric acid, methylxanthines, and thyroid hormones.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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