Overview

The human thymus gland is responsible for the production of some important immune cells, such as T-cells. Thymus extract is produced from the thymus glands of cows. Some people use it as medicine. But the quality and potency of thymus extract products can vary greatly.

Thymus extract is used for hay fever, infection of the airways, the common cold, flu, food allergies, asthma, weakened and enlarged heart (dilated cardiomyopathy), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

How does it work ?

Thymus extract may work by improving or boosting the immune system.

Thymus extract may work by improving or boosting the immune system.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Weakened and enlarged heart (dilated cardiomyopathy). Early research suggests that taking calf thymus extract along with usual therapy improves heart function, some symptoms, and the ability to exercise in some people with dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • Food allergies. Taking calf thymus extract while following an elimination diet might reduce the number of allergic reactions in some children with food allergies.
  • Infection of the airways. Some research shows that taking calf thymus extract by mouth may reduce the number of infections or coughing attacks in adults and children who get a lot of airway infections.

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of thymus extract for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Thymus extract is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately.

Because thymus extract comes from animals, there is concern about contamination with diseased animal parts. However, so far, there are no reports of diseases in humans due to use of contaminated thymus extract. There is also some concern about the possibility of catching "mad cow disease" (bovine spongiform encephalitis, BSE) from products that come from animals. There are no reports of getting "mad cow disease" from thymus extract. But it is probably wise to avoid animal products from countries where "mad cow disease" has been found.

When given as a shot: There isn't enough reliable information to know if thymus extract is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Thymus extract is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately.

Because thymus extract comes from animals, there is concern about contamination with diseased animal parts. However, so far, there are no reports of diseases in humans due to use of contaminated thymus extract. There is also some concern about the possibility of catching "mad cow disease" (bovine spongiform encephalitis, BSE) from products that come from animals. There are no reports of getting "mad cow disease" from thymus extract. But it is probably wise to avoid animal products from countries where "mad cow disease" has been found.

When given as a shot: There isn't enough reliable information to know if thymus extract is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if thymus extract is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Weakened immune system: People who have a weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS patients, for example) or people who are taking drugs to weaken their immune system (organ transplant recipients, for example) have a higher risk of infection. These people should avoid thymus extract products unless these products are certified germ-free.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with THYMUS EXTRACT

    Medications that decrease the immune system can increase your chances of getting sick. Thymus extract is made from animals. There is some concern that products made from animals might contain harmful diseases and cause infections. Taking medications that decrease the immune system along with thymus extract might increase your chances of getting sick. Do not take thymus extract if you are taking medications that decrease the immune system.

    Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:
  • For infection of the airways: Thymomodulin (calf thymus extract) 120 mg daily, on 20 days of each month, for 4 months.
BY INJECTION:
  • For weakened and enlarged heart (dilated cardiomyopathy): Thymomodulin (calf thymus extract) 10 mg injected under the skin three times each week for 3 months.
CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:
  • For food allergies: Thymomodulin (calf thymus extract) 120 mg daily for 3 months.
  • For infection of the airways: Thymomodulin (calf thymus extract) 120 mg daily, on 20 days of each month, for 4 months. Thymomodulin 3 mg/kg daily for 3 months.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.