929 of 945 Who Saw Dr. Thiel Reported Improvement

Published as Thiel, R. Efficacy of Glandulars and Herbs: The Result of 945 Cases. The Original Internist, Volume 19 (1), March 2012, 7-11

Abstract: Many people consume glandular-containing supplements to support or improve their health. Glandulars are normally dried glands of animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. Glands commonly used include parts of the brain, thyroid, thymus, kidney, heart, pancreas, adrenal, liver, etc. Some take them to assist with problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches, attention disorders, loss of memory, inability to focus, mood complaints, and a host of other ailments. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of individualized glandular and herbal-based interventions based upon reflex nutrition assessment. This paper contains a summary report of four pre-test, post-test trials, plus eight previously published trials. Of the 945 participants,928 (98.2%) reported improvement; p< 0.001.

INTRODUCTION
Glandular therapy has been used in countries such as the United States of America since at least the nineteenth century [1]. Since World War II, mainstream medical practitioners have been less inclined to recommend them, while holistic practitioners, such as chiropractors and naturopaths, have tended to be more inclined to use them. Several papers published in MEDline journals have indicated that glandular therapies are being looked at by practitioners with a variety of clinical backgrounds [2-6].

Although the use of glandulars has its critics [7-9], there has been no serious and credible study that shows that they are not effective. Furthermore, a study in the Journal of Surgery showed that oral pancreatic supplementation resulted in improved enzyme and growth levels for children who had a pancreaticoduodenectomy [2]. Oral consumption of a bovine thymus extract has been shown to reduce the frequency of recurrent respiratory infections and increase salivary IgA in children [3]. Other glandular substances are used regularly by the medical community. Additionally, reports have suggested that bovine glandulars may be helpful for myoclonic seizures [5], thyroid support [6], anti-inflammatory activities [7], Down syndrome [10], and immune response [5,7].

Evidence suggests that with oral consumption of glandular extracts, a small percentage (5-10%) of their peptides are not broken down into their constituent amino acids but are available for intact absorption in the small intestine [11-14]. A small amount of these absorbed peptides then circulate and some of them appear to assist the human body (especially for ill persons) in performing various anabolic and catabolic processes [11-15]. E. Howell and others have reported that the amount of enzymes that pass through the stomach is between 40-50% [16]. Glandulars are considered to be “cell food” (cytotrophic).

It has been specifically claimed that glandulars may work by having a protective ability against autoimmune reactions against the related organs, “Glandulars, said Lee, neutralize such attacks” [17-18]. Autoimmune reactions are believed to be the major cause of primary hypothyroidism [19], as well certain other disorders.

This report includes the results of clinical trials involving people taking one or more of four selected glandular formulas, as well as some earlier trials. The intention of these trials was to measure how often individualized recommendations using these glandular formulas could benefit people suffering with a variety of complaints within 90 days.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Subjects were eligible for inclusion in these trials if they agreed to follow the recommended intervention, agreed to provide (and did provide) feedback, signed a consent agreement, and indicated they suffered from problems monitored in this study, and took these selected glandulars for a period of up to 3 months. It does not include those who failed to provide feedback (which would be approximately 15% of those who could have participated). In the United States of America, naturopaths tend to see females more often than males, hence most of the statistics will be broken down by gender.

METHOD AND MATERIALS
After completing the selection documentation, all subjects were interviewed for approximately 45 minutes. All subjects were then assessed using Reflex Nutrition Assessment (RNA). RNA is a non-invasive technique used to assess nutrition status by observing the response of muscles under externally provided human-force (it is similar to other forms of muscle testing [15]). RNA was also used to determine quantities of supplements.

Participants who appeared to have problems (through the interview process combined with reflex assessment) that could benefit from the herbal-glandular formulas were advised to take them. The herbal-glandular products were from Food Research International (note: because of FDA practices, no product names are listed in this paper). These products are in the “herbal-glandular” category in that they contain bovine glandular cytotrophin extracts as well as various plants and herbs. (While in traditional Chinese medicine, the term “herbs” can include any substance that might be used to promote better health, in the West, the term “herbs” is limited to substances that come from plants and does not include animal products.)

Subjects were interviewed at approximately 30 day intervals to determine any change in their complaints.

RESULTS: Brain and Herbs

Participants were given capsules that contained Acerola Cherry, Alpha Lipoic Acid (flax extract), B vitamins (food source), Bovine Brain, Bovine Medulla, Bovine Pancreas, Bovine Pituitary, Bovine Trachea, Corn Silk, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (wild salmon extract), Eleuthero Root, Flaxseeds, Grape Seed Extract (92% proanthocyanidins), L-Carnosine (fermented grain extract-gluten free), L-Methionine (fermented grain extract-gluten free), L-Tyrosine (fermented bean source), Lecithin (bean source), and Ribonucleic Acid (Saccharomyces cerevisae extract).

Participants took 2 to 6 capsules per day of the above formula, with three the most common amount.

During the period of this trial, 38 cases involved the above formula with the results are shown in Table 1.

The “overall well being” category included all participants (38) and those who improved stated that they felt better, were less sadness, were happier, less angry, etc. Brain glandulars have historically been used for those with “slowness of thought” and “inability to concentrate,” but have long been believed to work better with synergists such as B vitamins [20].

RESULTS: Heart and Herbs

Participants were given capsules that contained Acerola Cherry, Bovine Aorta, Bovine Heart, Bovine B vitamins (food source), Liver, Garlic, Hawthorn Berry, selenium yeast, and vitamin E (food source).

People normally take 1-6 per day, no later than lunchtime as it definitely can affect sleep if taken late in the day.  It also helps many who feel cold. It helps athletes recover quicker from events so that they can participate in multiple events. Its predecessor (which this investigator developed) was also used by one or more members of the 1996 US Olympic team.

During the period of this trial, 11 cases involved the above formula with 7 being female and 4 being male—the results are shown in Table 2.

Note: This study did not involve serious athletes. Serious athletes (mainly long distance runners) have reported better performance, increased energy, and/or faster recovery times on this and similar formulas.

RESULTS: Hypothalamus and Herbs

Participants were given capsules that contained Acerola Cherry, Alfalfa Sprouts, B vitamins (food source), Bovine/ovine Hypothalamus, Bovine Parotid, Bovine Thymus, Collinsonia Root, Ginkgo Bark,

Kelp, L-Tyrosine (fermented grain extract-gluten free), Passion Flower, and Rice Bran.

The typical person in this trial took 2 – 9 capsules per day, with three capsules being the most common amount.

During the period of this trial, 39 cases involved the above formula with 28 being female and 11 being male—the results are shown in Table 3.

The “overall well being” category included all participants (39) and those who improved stated that they felt better, were less nervous, were happier, etc. The other two categories only included those who previously said that they had nervousness/anxiety (22) and/or panic episodes (9), respectively.

RESULTS: Thyroid and Herbs

Participants were given tablets that contained Alfalfa, Bovine Adrenal, Bovine Liver, Bovine Pituitary, Bovine Thyroid, Burdock Root, Chromium GTF (food source), Guar Gum Seed, Kelp, L-Tyrosine (fermented bean source), Plant Polysaccharides, and Scullcap Herb.

Thyroid problems are more common in the world than many realize. During the period of this trial, 152 cases involved the above formula with 100 being female and 52 being male—the results are shown in Table 4.

The “overall well being” category included all participants (152) and those who improved stated that they felt better, and/or also sometimes included reduction of negative mood swings, improved female libido, reduction of cold extremities, less lethargy, less dizziness, reduction of menstrual cramping, and better skin, etc. The other four categories only included those who previously said that they had energy concerns (83), fat issues (51), suffered from headaches (31), or had attention concerns (15), respectively. An earlier study that this investigator performed using other thyroid support products found that 217 of 220 who followed the supplement recommendations reported improvement [20].

MULTI-FORMULA HEALTH CONCERN STUDIES

While previous studies involving glandulars and herbs were not restricted to specific products, they do provide some information that which helps demonstrate the efficacy of individualized nutritional interventions based upon reflex nutrition assessment could benefit people.

Each of the previous studies were published in various publications [21-28], but have been combined in Table 5.

* Note: The Infections study was not limited to glandular and herbal supplements, but also included bio-electrical stimulation [26]. However, since all the participants did take glandular and/or herbal supplements, this study was included in the above table.

p < .001, using a binomial distribution test.

DISCUSSION
This investigator has used glandular formulas clinically for decades and has advocated the proper use for them in medical and alternative journals [4,6, 21-29].

Properly advised glandular formulas clearly have been shown to be clinically effective. By combining the results of all twelve of the trials shown in this paper, they show that 98.2% of cases reported at least some improvement (though most reported major improvement) taking such formulas.

These trials thus confirm that glandular products can help with a variety of human health complaints. They also confirm that individualized recommendations can be remarkably effective. Thus this researcher believes that these two “out-of-favor approaches” (glandulars and reflex nutrition assessment) should be considered by more practitioners. (Various holistic practitioners have supported muscle-testing, however [30-32]. This researcher does not believe that indiscriminately recommending the glandulars and herbs used in these studies (without proper training and without reflex nutrition assessment) will result in anywhere near the reported success rates this paper shows.

Because the consumption of meat is discouraged in some circles and the fear of Bovine Spongiform Encephalophy (B.S.E., also known as “mad cow disease”) in many circles, some prefer not to consume glandular products. However, it should be noted no one so far has ever been proven to have contracted B.S.E. from glandulars. In addition, B.S.E. is not considered to be a threat in cattle/sheep that come from B.S.E./scrapie free countries such as Argentina and New Zealand (the glandulars in the four products mentioned all came from Argentina and/or New Zealand and/or wild fish) [33-35]. Thus, B.S.E. should not be a concern for those that consume glandulars from B.S.E.-free parts of the world.

Properly prepared bovine, ovine, and goat glandulars from healthy animals are a generally safe way to feed human organs. They are not known to have any significant long-term negative side effects. Humans have been consuming them for thousands of years [36].

Glandulars became less utilized by mainstream medical doctors in the United States as the use of penicillin and pharmaceutical medicines increased. Because of this, many doctors are unaware of the potential benefits for their patients—benefits that are still available today.

More studies researching the effectiveness and usefulness of glandulars should be encouraged.

About the Author

Dr. Thiel was an Idaho naturopathic physician and is an Alabama licensed naturopathic scientist. He received his M.S. from the University of Southern California, Ph.D. (Nutrition Science) from the Union Institute & University, and his Doctorate in Natural Health from The United States School of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences. Dr. Thiel is the author of several books, including Combining Old and New: Naturopathy for the 21st Century. and Serious Nutrition: Incorporating Clinically Effective Nutrition into Your Practice. He has written many papers on nutrition and the use of glandular. Dr. Thiel also sees many people with health concerns at the Doctors’ Research clinic in Arroyo Grande, California.www.doctorsresearch.com

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[4] Thiel R. Might disorders of calcium cause or contribute to myoclonic seizures? Med. Hypo, 2006; 66(5):969-974

[5] Schulof RS, et al. Phase I/II trial of thymosin fraction 5 and thymosin alpha one on HTLV-III seropositive subjects. J of Biologic Response Modifiers,1986; 5: 429-443

[6] Thiel R., Fowkes S.W. Down syndrome and thyroid dysfunction: Should nutritional support be the first-line treatment? Med. Hypo E-published March 2007

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[9] Van Dyke DC, van Duyne S, Lowe O, Heide F. Alternative and controversial therapies. In Clinical Perspectives in the Management of Down Syndrome. Springer-Verlag, NY, 1990:208-16

[10] Thiel R. Growth effects of the Warner protocol for children with Down syndrome. J Orthomolecular Med, 2002;17(1):42-48

[11] Gardner M. Intestinal assimilation of intact peptides and protein from the diet – a neglected field? Cambridge Philosophical Society, Biological Reviews,1984;59: 289-331

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[20] Lee R. Brain Cytotrophin. Product Bulletins, Palmyra (WI), circa 1950
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[22] Thiel R. Clinical trial on the effects of nutrition-based approaches on symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis. ANMA Monitor, 1997;1(2):4-9

[23] Thiel R. Musculoskeletal pain relief for people with arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. Townsend Letter for Doctors, 1999; 193/194:136-138

[24] Thiel R. Effects of natural interventions on attention-deficit disorder and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder. Townsend Letter for Doctors, 2000; 201:93-97

[25] Thiel R. Chronic fatigue assessment and intervention: the result of 101 cases. ANMA & AANC J, 1996;1(3):17-19

[26] Thiel R. Natural interventions for people with fibromyalgia. Townsend Letter for Doctors, 2000;208:66-67

[27] Thiel R. Bioelectrical stimulation for people with patterns consistent with certain chronic infections. Townsend Letter for Doctors, 2000; 203:65-67

[28] Thiel R. Natural interventions for migraine sufferers. ANMA Monitor, 1998;2(3):5-9

[29] Thiel R. Glandulars in Supplements. The Original Internist, 18:4, Dec 2011:144-150

[30]Versandal D.A. Contact Reflex Analysis and Applied Trophology, XVIII edition. D.A. Versandall, Holland (MI), 1990
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[32] Rosen, Marc S. and Williams, Louisa. The research status of applied kinesiology, part II: An annotated bibliography of applied kinesiological research. In: A.K. Review, Vol. 1, No. 2: 34-47, 1991
[33] JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE NEW ZEALAND FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY AND MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY. BSE in the US has no food safety impact in New Zealand or threat to our animal health status. 24 December 2003

[34] New Zealand’s Scrapie Freedom. New Zealand Food Safety Authority. Nzfsa.gov 2/16/06

[35] Scudel A.A, et al. Analysis of risk factos and active surveillance for BSE in Argentina. Siiap.sagyp.mecon.ar 02/16/06

[36] DeCava JA. Glandular supplements. Nutrition News and Views 1997; 1(3):1-10

For additional information check out http://www.healthresearch.com. This research is for doctors and other health care professionals. Thiel is not a medical doctor. None of this research is medical advice, nor should it be construed as medical advice; nor is any of this information specific for any individual.

Copyright 1999-2024 by Robert Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath All rights reserved.