Thymus extract

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

Aqueous calf thymus extract, bovine thymic extract, calf thymus, calf thymus acid lysate, calf thymus extract, calf-thymus lysate, calf thymus nuclear extract, Complete Thymic Formula®, CSFa, CSFb, CTE, facteur thymique serique, fetal thymus, fraction V, FTS, glandular therapy, hormonal thymic factor, IFX, immunophan, Leucotrofina, leucotrofina-L (Timolimfotropina-T), leukotrophin, oligopeptide (fractionV), organotherapy, peptide thymosin alpha 1, polypeptides, polypeptide thymus extract, rabbit thymus, RTE, serum thymic factor, tactivin, T-activin, taktivin, Talpha1, TFX, TFX-JELFA ini., Thymalfasin™ (thymosin alpha1, Talpha1, Zadaxin®, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), thymalin, thymex L, thymex-L, thymic calf extract (leucotrofina), thymic extract, thymic factor, thymic factor X, thymic hormones, thymic humoral factor, thymic peptides, Thymoject®, thymomodulin, thymomodulins, thymopoietin, thymosin, thymosin alpha, thymosin alpha 1, thymosin fraction 5, thymosin fraction V, thymostimulin (TS, TST, Tp-1, Serono, bovine thymic extract), thymsin (TP-1), thymulin, thymus extract (TFX-JELFA ini.), Thymus Extract Mulli®, thymus gland, TP1, TP-1, Tp-1 Serono, TS, TST, ubiquitin, umoral factor, vilozen, whole calf thymus extract (TFX-Polfa), Zadaxin®.

Background

The thymus is a lobular gland located under the breastbone near the thyroid gland. It reaches its maximum size during early childhood and plays a large role in immune function. The thymus is responsible for the production of T-lymphocytes, as well as the production of various hormones including thymosin, thymopoeitin, thymulin, thymic humoral factor, and serum thymic factor. These hormones may be involved in the increase in lymphokines (interleukin 2, interferon, colony stimulating factor), increase of interleukin 2 receptors, and regulation of weight. With age, the thymus is replaced by fat and connective tissue.

According to legend, glandular or organotherapy, which refers to the use of animal tissues or cell preparations to improve physiologic functioning and support the natural healing process, first gained popularity in the early to mid 1900s. The idea of homeopathic glandular therapy was first introduced almost 200 years ago.

Thymus extracts for nutritional supplements are usually derived from young calves (bovine). Bovine thymus extracts are found in capsules and tablets as a dietary supplement.

Thymus extract is commonly used to treat primary immunodeficient states, bone marrow failure, autoimmune disorders, chronic skin diseases, recurrent viral and bacterial infections, hepatitis, allergies, chemotherapy side effects, and cancer. Most basic and clinical research involving oral and injectable thymus extract has been conducted in Europe.

Clinical trials in humans suggest promising results in terms of allergies, asthma, cancer, chemotherapeutic side effects, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS, immunostimulation, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, and tuberculosis. However, not all study results agree, and properly randomized, double-blind clinical trials are still needed in many fields.

Future areas of research include (but are not limited to) rheumatoid arthritis, warts, urinary tract infections (UTIs), psoriasis, eczema, alopecia (hair loss), and appendicitis.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Allergy: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for allergy symptom reduction. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Alopecia: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for hair re-growth. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Anxiety/stress: Thymus extract has been investigated for use in immune-modulating acute stress and adaptive disorders. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Arthritis: From the available evidence, any potential benefit of thymus extract is unclear. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Asthma: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for asthma symptom reduction. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Burns: Thymus extract may be useful for reducing infections, septicemia, and mortality. However, the evidence is mixed. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Cancer: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may increase disease-free survival and immunological improvement. Early studies have investigated thymus extract for the treatment of hematopoietic cancer, histiocytosis X, larynx and oropharnygeal cancer, and skin cancer, among others. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Cancer (chemotherapy adjunct): Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may reduce side effects and infection rates associated with chemotherapy, and increase disease-free survival. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Cancer (radiotherapy side effects): Preliminary evidence suggests intramuscular thymus extract may help treat immunodeficiency associated with radiotherapy. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Cardiomyopathy: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may increase left ventricular function, exercise tolerance, and survival. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may be useful for reducing disease exacerbations and hospital admission. More clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Dermatomyositis: Thymus extract is of interest for treatment of dermatomyositis (inflammation of the muscles) due to its role in immunostimulation. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Diabetes: Preliminary evidence in conventionally treated patients with type I diabetes suggests that a combination of azathioprine and thymostimulin increased remission. Thymostimulin alone had no effect. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Eczema: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract has no clinical effect in patients with atopic eczema, despite anecdotal evidence suggesting the use of thymus extract for dermatological uses. Further well-designed clinical trials are still required before thymus extract can be recommended for this use.
Grade: C

Encephalitis: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract has no clinical effect in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. However, additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Gastritis: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract speeds healing of gastric lesions. Further well-designed clinical trials are still required before thymus extract can be recommended for this use.
Grade: C

Glaucoma: Well-designed clinical trials are required before thymus extract can be recommended in the treatment of glaucoma.
Grade: C

HIV/AIDS: Preliminary evidence found no improvement in HIV progression to AIDS or immunostimulation, although some immunological activity was noted in a non-randomized controlled trial. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Human papilloma virus (HPV): Thymus extract is of interest in the treatment of human papillomavirus due to its role in immunostimulation. Preliminary positive results were found in five cases. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Immunostimulation: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract increases T- and B-lymphocyte counts, the number of rosette-forming cells and response of T-lymphocytes. Also, in cancer patients, T-activin significantly increases the number of natural killer cells (CD16+). Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Keratitis: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract, in addition to local treatment, reduces the recurrence rate of keratitis. Further well-designed clinical trials are still required before thymus extract can be recommended for this use.
Grade: C

Liver disease: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may offer benefit to individuals with HIV/AIDS and human papillomavirus. Also, thymus extract is of interest due to its role in immunostimulation. More well-designed clinical trials are required in the area of non-hepatitis B and hepatitis B liver disorders before recommendations can be made involving thymus extract for this use.
Grade: C

Myelodysplastic syndrome: Thymus extract is of interest in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome due to its role in immunostimulation in vitro and in human and animal studies. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Psoriasis: Preliminary results suggest the combination of an intravenous thymus extract plus selenium and fumaric acid may increase healing rate. Additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Respiratory tract infections: Preliminary evidence suggests that both intramuscular and oral thymus extract may be useful for reducing the presence of respiratory tract symptoms. Additional study is need in this area.
Grade: C

Skin conditions: Despite use of thymus extracts for dermatological conditions, there is currently inconclusive evidence recommending thymus extract for or against the use in skin conditions.
Grade: C

Systemic lupus erythematosus: Preliminary results indicate that articular and cutaneous symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus can be improved with thymus extract use. Well designed clinical trials are required before thymus extract can be recommended for this use.
Grade: C

Tuberculosis: Although inconclusive, preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract may improve effectiveness of antibacterial therapy in patients with tuberculosis. Well-designed clinical trials are required before recommendations can be made.
Grade: C

Urinary tract infection: Preliminary evidence from a controlled trial suggests that thymus extract reduces re-infection frequency and infection persistence. Further evidence is required before recommendations can be made.
Grade: C

Warts: Preliminary evidence suggests that thymus extract increased T cell count and activation in patients with warts. Further evidence is required before recommendations can be made.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Aging, allergic rhinitis, anemia (chronic autoimmune hemolytic), anemia (thalassemia), angina (chest pain), antifungal (adjuvant), antimicrobial (adjuvant), antiparasitic, antiviral, aphthous stomatitis (RAS, mouth sores), atopic dermatitis, autoimmune disorders (hemolytic anemias), bacterial infection (severe diarrhea due to Shigella infection), bone disorders (bone marrow protection), bronchitis (asthma), cardiac bypass, cardiac (heart) disease, chicken pox, cirrhosis (liver disease), colorectal cancer, connective tissue disorders (mixed connective tissue disease), Crohn's disease (refractory), depression (short-term), diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), fatigue, food allergy diagnosis/treatment, gastrointestinal inflammation (appendicitis), hepatitis (acute, chronic, cholestatic, B, C), herpes simplex (cold sores), herpes simplex labialis (recurrent), herpes zoster, Hodgkin's disease, immune system deficiencies (hereditary and nonhereditary), infections (including postoperative), inflammation (maxillofacial), ischemic heart disease, leukemia (chronic), leucopenia (abnormally low white blood cell count), liver disease (echinococciasis), lymphedema, lymphoma, male infertility, multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, otitis media (middle ear infection), pre-eclampsia, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis (intrathoracic lymph nodes sarcoidosis), sepsis, sinusitis, skin conditions, surgery (abdominal, orthopedic), surgery (colorectal), viral myocarditis, weight loss (wasting or catabolic), wound healing, yeast infections.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):

There is no proven effective dose for thymus extract. Thymus extract is typically given as an injection, although thymomodulin 80 milligrams has been taken by mouth daily for up to 90 days for the treatment of asthma. Injections have been given for the treatment of arthritis, breast cancer, burns, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS, human papillomavirus infections, immunostimulation, male infertility, psoriasis sinusitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. A number of doses have been used, but none have been standardized. Injections should only be given under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

Children (younger than 18 years):

There is no proven effective dose for thymus extract in children. A thymus extract has been taken by mouth for three months for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Injections have also been given. For example, thymostimulin 1.5-3 milligrams per kilogram has been injected into the muscle daily for up to 30 days. Injections should only be given under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to thymus extracts. A severe anaphylactic reaction to injected thymostimulin has been documented in a case report. Allergy to thymic extracts has not been demonstrated in currently available clinical trials

Side Effects and Warnings

Use bovine thymus extract supplements cautiously due to potential for exposure to the virus that causes "mad cow disease."

Avoid use in patients with an organ transplant or other forms of allografts or xenografts due to the possibility of thymus extract stimulating an immune response, and thus transplant rejection.

Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy should not use thymus extract due to the potential for immunostimulation.

Use of thymus extract is not recommended in patients with myasthenia gravis, untreated hypothyroidism, or thymic tumors due to inadequate available safety information

Avoid use in patients on hormonal therapy due to preliminary evidence suggesting thyroid extract may alter levels of certain hormones. Also, avoid in patients with a known allergy to thymus, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Thymic extract increases human sperm motility and progression. Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to inadequate available safety information.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Preliminary evidence in humans suggests that thymus extract may have additive effects with antibiotics. Also, the use of thymus extract may decrease infections and thus the need for antibiotics.

In humans, a combination of azathioprine and thymostimulin may be beneficial in the management of type I diabetes. Caution is advised when using medications that may alter blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Thymus extract may reduce the frequency of acute allergic episodes. Thus, thymus extracts and antihistamines may have additive effects.

In humans, thymus extracts and chemotherapeutic agents have shown additive effects. Thymus extracts may also offer protective effects in terms of reduced side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Thymus extract may play a role in immunological disorders associated with stress and anxiety. Caution is advised in patients taking anxiolytics due to possible additive effects.

Thymus extract may improve symptoms associated with asthma. Thus, thymus extracts and bronchodilators may have additive effects.

In humans, thymomodulin had an additive effect on 'conventional medications' for cardiomyopathy. Caution is advised in patients with heart problems.

Although not well studied in humans, thymic extract may reduce the dose of corticosteroids required. Caution is advised in patients taking corticosteroids due to possible additive effects.

Although not well studied in humans, a combination of thymus extract, selenium, and fumaric acid may be beneficial for psoriasis.

Preliminary evidence in humans suggests thyroid extract can improve alopecia (hair loss). It is possible that thyroid extract is able to offer other hormonal effects and have additive effects.

In humans, T-activin has immunomodulatory effects. Caution is advised when taking with other agents that affect the immune system.

Preliminary evidence suggests that thyroid extracts offer benefits to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thus, use in combination with medications for SLE, such as methylxanthines, may have additive effects.

Thymus extract may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Although not well studied in humans, purified thymus gland extract may decrease average thyroid gland weights and serum T3 serum levels and significantly decreased serum T4 levels. It is not clear what effect thymus gland extract would have on external thyroid hormones.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Preliminary evidence in humans suggests that thymus extract may have additive effects to antibiotics. Use of thymus extract may decrease infections and thus the need for antibiotics.

In humans, a combination of azathioprine and thymostimulin may be beneficial in the management of type I diabetes. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

In humans, thymus extracts and chemotherapeutic agents have additive effects. Caution is advised when taking thymus extract with other herbs or supplements used in chemotherapy.

Thymus extract may play a role in immunological disorders associated with stress and anxiety. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements with anxiolytic activity due to possible additive effects.

Thymus extract improves symptoms associated with asthma. Thus, thymus extracts and agents that act as bronchodilators may have additive effects.

In humans, thymomodulin had an additive effect on 'conventional medications' for cardiomyopathy. Thymomodulin may also have additive effects on herbal agents that act in a similar manner. Caution is advised in patients with heart problems.

In patients with complicated liver echinococciasis, the combined use of essentiale (phospholipids) and T-activin normalized hepatic (liver) function and immunity and reduced the incidence of postoperative complications.

Although not well studied in humans, a combination of thymus extract, selenium, and fumaric acid may be beneficial for psoriasis. Fumaric acid is found in some dietary supplements; caution is advised due to possible additive effects.

Preliminary evidence in humans suggests thyroid extract can improve alopecia (hair loss). It is possible that thyroid extract is able to offer other hormonal effects and have additive effects with agents that alter hormone levels in the body.

In humans, T-activin has immunomodulatory effects. Caution is advised when taking with other agents that affect the immune system.

Thymus extract may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Although not well studied in humans, purified thymus gland extract may nonsignificantly decrease average thyroid gland weights and serum T3 levels and significantly decreased serum T4 levels. It is not clear what effect thymus gland extract would have on external thyroid hormone-like herbs or supplements.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Julie Conquer, PhD (RGB Consulting); Rebecca Bramwell, PharmD (Northeastern University); Ashley Brigham, PharmD (Northeastern University); Jessica Clubb, PharmD (Northeastern University); Thuy-Duong Le, PharmD (Oregon State University); Audrey Nealon, PharmD (Northeastern University); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Jen Woods, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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Jablonowska E, Tchorzewski H, Lewkowicz P, et al. Reactive oxygen intermediates and serum antioxidative system in patients with chronic C hepatitis treated with IFN-alpha and thymus factor X. Arch Immunol.Ther Exp (Warsz.) 2005;53(6):529-533.

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Liberati AM, Ballatori E, Fizzotti M, et al. A randomized trial to evaluate the immunorestorative properties of thymostimulin in patients with Hodgkin's disease in complete remission. Cancer Immunol.Immunother. 1988;26(1):87-93.

Mustacchi G, Pavesi L, Milani S, et al. High-dose folinic acid (FA) and fluorouracil (FU) plus or minus thymostimulin (TS) for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: results of a randomized multicenter clinical trial. Anticancer Res 1994;14(2B):617-619.

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Raymond RS, Fallon MB, Abrams GA. Oral thymic extract for chronic hepatitis C in patients previously treated with interferon. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 11-15-1998;129(10):797-800.

Romeo F, Arcoria D, Palmisano L, et al. Effectiveness of thymostimulin treatment in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive chronic active liver disease. Results of a randomized clinical trial. Arzneimittelforschung 1985;35(8):1317-1322.

Salvati F, Pallotta G, Antilli A, et al. [MACC plus thymostimulin (TP-1 Serono) therapy of small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. Clinico-immunologic evaluation of the results of a randomized trial]. G Ital Chemioter. 1984;31(1-2):185-189.

Sanchiz F, Milla A. A randomised study comparing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) with G-CSF plus thymostimulin in the treatment of haematological toxicity in patients with advanced breast cancer after high dose mitoxantrone therapy. Eur.J Cancer 1996;32A(1):52-56.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.