Adrenal Glands


“Fast Energy,” Immune and Blood Pressure Regulating Organs

The adrenal glands are the “fast” energy-producing endocrine organs in the body. Adrenaline (epinephrine) and nor-adrenaline are made by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands also make hormones which help control blood pressure (mineralocorticoids) and regulate the immune system (cortisol and cortisone).

In conventional medicine, only “complete adrenal failure” (Addison’s disease) or life threatening over-function (Cushing’s syndrome) are recognized as a health problems. In holistic medicine, we recognize that “degrees” of decreased or increased adrenal function play a role in health and disease.


ADRENAL SUPPORT

Vitamin/Herb Formula for Healthy Adrenal Function

Adrenal Support formula is Dr. Myatt’s own vitamin and herb combination to nourish and support healthy adrenal gland function. This product is designed to improve adrenal function in those who have decreased adrenal gland activity and/or low adrenal gland reserve.

Pantothenic acid and vitamin C are required for adrenocortical steroid synthesis. In fact, the adrenal glands are one of the higher users of vitamin C in the body. Pantothenic acid activates the adrenal glands.

Licorice extract contains compounds that inhibit the breakdown of adrenal hormones (glucocorticoids), thus extending their life and activity.

L-tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid (protein building block) that serves as the precursor of several neurotransmitters including norepinephrine and epinephrine, hormones made by the adrenal glands.

Rhodiola rosea is an herb used since ancient times to increase physical endurance, treat fatigue and enhance the nervous system. Modern studies confirm that rhodiola may enhances physical endurance, improve thyroid, thymus, and adrenal function and protect the nervous system, heart, and liver. Rhodiola also appears to have adaptogenic properties.

Eleuthero is an “adaptogen” (an agent that helps the body adapt to stress) thought to help support adrenal gland function when the body is stressed. It has been used for at least 2,000 years according to Chinese medical texts. It is also called Siberian ginseng and has been used in Russia for many years to support physical endurance.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contains steroidal molecules similar to to the active constituents of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Ashwagandha has been seen to stimulate the immune system, inhibit inflammation and improve memory in animal studies. These actions may explain the herbs traditional reputation an adaptogen (an herb with multiple, nonspecific actions that counteract the effects of stress).

Suggested use for adults: 2 caps, 1-3 times per day with meals or as directed by a healthcare professional. 

Adrenal Support formula Product # N271 (60 Capsules) $19.95

Enter Quantity Desired and Click “Add To Cart” Button

Supplement Facts: Serving Size: 2 vegetarian caps Servings per container 30

amount per serving

%DV

Vitamin C 60mg 100% Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine HCL) 25mg 1,250% Pantothenic acid (as d-calcium pantothenate) 100mg

1,000%

L-Tyrosine 500mg * Rhodiola rosea root extract (standardized to contain 3% [6mg] rosavins 200mg * Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract (standardized to contain 0.5% [0.5mg] eleutherosides) 100mg * Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) root extract (Standardized to contain 1.5% [2.25mg] withanolides) 150mg * Choline (as choline bitartrate) 50mg * Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root extract 50mg * Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract 40mg * Astragalus membranaceus root extract 45mg * Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) leaf 25mg * Schizandra chinensis berry 20mg * * Daily Value not established

Other ingredients: capsules (cellulose, water), magnesium stearate and silica.


References:

1.) Meeking S. Treatment of acute adrenal insufficiency. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract. 2007 Feb;22(1):36-9.
2.) Oelkers W, Diederich S, Bähr V. Therapeutic strategies in adrenal insufficiency. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2001 Apr;62(2):212-6.
3.) Fidanza A. Therapeutic action of pantothenic acid. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1983;suppl 24:53–67 [review].
4.) Schwabedal PE, Pietrzik K, Wittkowski W. Pantothenic acid deficiency as a factor contributing to the development of hypertension. Cardiology. 1985;72 Suppl 1:187-9.
5.) Cooper H, Bhattacharya B, Verma V, McCulloch AJ, Smellie WS, Heald AH. Liquorice and soy sauce, a life-saving concoction in a patient with Addison’s disease. Ann Clin Biochem. 2007 Jul;44(Pt 4):397-9.
6.) Stewart PM, Wallace AM, Valentino R, Burt D, Shackleton CH, Edwards CR. Mineralocorticoid activity of liquorice: 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency comes of age. Lancet. 1987 Oct 10;2(8563):821-4.
7.) Padayatty SJ, Doppman JL, Chang R, Wang Y, Gill J, Papanicolaou DA, Levine M. Human adrenal glands secrete vitamin C in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jul;86(1):145-9.
8.) Patak P, Willenberg HS, Bornstein SR. Vitamin C is an important cofactor for both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. Endocr Res. 2004 Nov;30(4):871-5.
9.) Bähr V, Möbius K, Redmann A, Oelkers W. Ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol depletion inhibit aldosterone stimulation by sodium deficiency in the guinea pig. Endocr Res. 1996 Nov;22(4):595-600.
10.) Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Ramazanov Z. Rhodiola rosea: a phytomedicinal overview. Herbalgram 2002;56:40–52.
11.) Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76 [review].
12.) Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41.
13.) Wagner H, Nörr H, Winterhoff H. Plant adaptogens. Phytomed 1994;1:63–76.
14.) Anabalgan K, Sadique J. Antiinflammatory activity of Withania somnifera. Indian J Exp Biol 1981;19:245–9.
15.) Bhattacharya SK, Kumar A, Ghosal S. Effects of glycowithanolides from Withania somnifera on an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease and perturbed central cholinergic markers of cognition in rats. Phytother Res 1995;9:110–3.
16.) Bone K. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996, 137–41.
17.) Arlt W, Callies F, Allolio B. DHEA replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency–pharmacokinetics, bioconversion and clinical effects on well-being, sexuality and cognition. Endocr Res. 2000 Nov;26(4):505-11.
18.) Christiansen JJ, Gravholt CH, Fisker S, Svenstrup B, Bennett P, Veldhuis J, Andersen M, Christiansen JS, Jørgensen JO. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in women with adrenal failure: impact on twenty-four hour GH secretion and IGF-related parameters. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2004 Apr;60(4):461-9.
19.) Libè R, Barbetta L, Dall’Asta C, Salvaggio F, Gala C, Beck-Peccoz P, Ambrosi B. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on hormonal, metabolic and behavioral status in patients with hypoadrenalism. J Endocrinol Invest. 2004 Sep;27(8):736-41.
20.) Monteleone, P, Beinat, L, Tanzillo,C, Maj, M, and Kemali, D. Effects of phosphatidylserine on the neuroendocrine response to physical stress in humans. Neuroendocrinol, 1990. 52: 243-8.
21.) Monteleone, P, Maj,M, Beinat,L, Natale,M, and Kemali,D. Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamos-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy men. Eur. J. Clin.Pharmacol ,1992. 41: 385-8.