Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Pituitary Concentrate

Also known as: Pituitary extract, Pituitary gland concentrate, Pituitary glandular, Pituitary peptide complex, Pituitary Concentrate

Overview

Pituitary concentrate is a supplement derived from the pituitary glands of animals, typically bovine or porcine. It is processed to concentrate bioactive peptides and hormones naturally found in the pituitary gland. Marketed for supporting endocrine function, hormone balance, and overall well-being, it is claimed to improve energy levels, mood, and metabolic regulation. Pituitary concentrate contains a mixture of hormones, including growth hormone, ACTH, TSH, FSH, and LH, along with other bioactive peptides. However, research on pituitary concentrate in humans is very limited, with most studies being preclinical or conducted in veterinary medicine. The quality of available evidence for human use is low, and there are no high-quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses to support its efficacy or safety as a supplement.

Benefits

Currently, there is no robust scientific evidence from human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses to demonstrate specific benefits of pituitary concentrate supplementation. While some veterinary applications exist for related substances (e.g., pergolide for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses), these findings are not directly applicable to human pituitary concentrate supplementation. No peer-reviewed evidence supports secondary benefits or population-specific benefits in humans. Therefore, effect sizes and clinical significance cannot be determined due to the lack of supporting evidence. The time course of any potential benefits is also not established.

How it works

Theoretically, pituitary concentrate could influence endocrine function by providing exogenous pituitary hormones and peptides. This could potentially affect the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Molecular targets could include hormone receptors for ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH, and growth hormone, although this is speculative. However, the absorption and bioavailability of these animal-derived peptides in humans are unknown. It is likely that many of these peptides are degraded in the digestive tract, which would limit their systemic bioavailability and effectiveness.

Side effects

Due to the lack of comprehensive data, a thorough safety assessment of pituitary concentrate in humans is not possible. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been reported due to the limited data available. There is a potential for interaction with hormone therapies, although no documented cases exist. Contraindications are not established, but caution is advised for individuals with endocrine disorders or hormone-sensitive conditions. Due to the lack of safety data, pituitary concentrate is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose of pituitary concentrate have not been established. Timing considerations and form-specific recommendations are also not available. Absorption is likely limited due to the degradation of peptides in the gut. There are no established required cofactors. Due to the lack of safety data, it is not possible to provide specific dosing guidelines or safety thresholds.

FAQs

Is there evidence to support the use of pituitary concentrate for any health benefit in humans?

No, there is currently no evidence to support the use of pituitary concentrate for any health benefit in humans.

Is pituitary concentrate safe?

The safety of pituitary concentrate is unknown. Potential risks include allergic reactions and unintended hormonal effects.

What results can I expect from taking pituitary concentrate?

Based on current evidence, no benefits are expected from taking pituitary concentrate.

Can pituitary concentrate balance my hormones?

The belief that pituitary concentrate can 'balance hormones' or improve energy in humans is a misconception and is not supported by evidence.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33449475/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia. The study found that dexmedetomidine can improve hemodynamic stability in specific surgical contexts. However, this study is not relevant to pituitary concentrate supplementation.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623002955 – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of various supplements on metabolic parameters in overweight or obese women. The study found that certain supplements improved insulin resistance and lipid profiles. However, pituitary concentrate was not among the supplements evaluated in this study.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.732240/full – This systematic review focused on the role of kisspeptin in the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. The review highlights the importance of kisspeptin signaling in reproductive function. However, this study does not address pituitary concentrate or its effects.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023320301398 – This systematic review examined the use of pergolide for managing pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses. The review concluded that pergolide is effective for managing equine pituitary dysfunction. This study is relevant to veterinary medicine but not directly applicable to human pituitary concentrate supplementation.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1464959/full – This study investigates the effects of early-life exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) on the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female rats. The findings suggest that BPA exposure can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to PCOS-like phenotypes. This research is not directly related to pituitary concentrate supplementation in humans.