Thymus Extracts

Uses

Thymus extracts are extracts derived from the thymus glands usually of young calves (bovine). The thymus is one of our major immune system glands. It is composed of two soft pinkish-gray lobes lying in bib-like fashion just below the thyroid gland and above the heart. To a large extent, the health of the thymus determines the health of the immune system. The thymus is responsible for many immune system functions, including the production of T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for "cell-mediated immunity." Cell-mediated immunity refers to immune mechanisms not controlled or mediated by antibodies. Cell-mediated immunity is extremely important in the resistance to infection by certain bacteria, yeast (including Candida albicans), fungi, parasites, and viruses (including herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, and the viruses that cause hepatitis). Cell-mediated immunity is also critical in protecting against the development of cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The thymus gland also releases several hormones, such as thymosin, thymopoeitin, and serum thymic factor, that regulate many immune functions.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
3 Stars
Bronchitis
3 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight daily
Thymus extract from calves, known as Thymomodulin, has been found to decrease the frequency of respiratory infections in children who were prone to such infections.

The thymus gland plays a number of important roles in the functioning of the immune system. from calves, known as Thymomodulin®, has been found, in a double-blind study, to decrease the frequency of respiratory infections in children who were prone to such infections. The amount of Thymomodulin used in that study was 3 mg per kg of body weight per day.

2 Stars
Allergies and Sensitivities
120 mg per day of thymomodulin
Thymomodulin, a special preparation of the thymus gland of calves, has been shown to prevent allergic reactions to food in a double-blind study of allergic children.
is a special preparation of the thymus gland of calves. In a double-blind study of allergic children who had successfully completed an elimination diet, 120 mg per day of thymomodulin prevented allergic skin reactions to food and lowered blood levels of antibodies associated with those foods. These results confirmed similar findings in an earlier, controlled trial.
2 Stars
Hay Fever
120 mg daily purified thymus polypeptides
A thymus extract known as Thymomodulin has been shown in studies to improve the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

The oral administration of a known as Thymomodulin has been shown in preliminary studies and double-blind trials to improve the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis. Presumably this clinical improvement is the result of restoration of proper control over immune function.

2 Stars
Hepatitis
200 mg of crude extracts or 40 mg purified proteins three times per day
Proteins from the thymus gland, an important part of the immune system, may have a beneficial effect in people with chronic hepatitis B and C.

Proteins from the thymus gland, an important part of the immune system, may have a beneficial effect in people with chronic hepatitis B. Initial trials done in Poland used injected thymus proteins with good results. Further trials using a variety of by mouth have found that they can improve blood tests that measure liver damage as well as improve immune cell numbers. Preliminary evidence also suggests these extracts may help patients with hepatitis C. The standard recommendation for supplementation is 200 mg three times per day of crude extracts or 40 mg three times per day of purified proteins.

2 Stars
Immune Function
1 to 1.5 mg thymus polypeptides per 2.2 lbs body weight
The thymus gland is responsible for many immune system functions. A thymus extract known as Thymomodulin has been shown to improve immune function in some people.
The thymus gland is responsible for many immune system functions. Preliminary studies suggest that a known as Thymomodulin® may improve immune function, and double-blind trials in children and adults with a history of recurrent respiratory-tract infections have found reduced numbers of recurrent infections with Thymomodulin supplementation. Thymomodulin has also been shown in a double-blind study to improve immune function in cases of exercise-induced immune suppression, and in preliminary studies to improve immune function in people with diabetes and in elderly people.
1 Star
Asthma
Refer to label instructions
A thymus extract known as thymomodulin has been shown to improve the symptoms and course of asthma, presumably as the result of restoration of proper immune function control.

The oral administration of a known as thymomodulin has been shown in preliminary and double-blind clinical trials to improve the symptoms and course of asthma. Presumably this clinical improvement is the result of restoration of proper control over immune function.

1 Star
HIV and AIDS Support
Refer to label instructions
In one trial, a thymus extract known as Thymomodulin improved several immune parameters among people with early HIV infection, including an increase in T-helper cells.

In a preliminary trial, a known as Thymomodulin improved several immune parameters among people with early HIV infection, including an increase in the number of T-helper cells.

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