Immuno Gland Plex (Allergy Research Group) Each bottle, 60 capsules. Each capsule, 125 mg each of hypoallergenic and organic adrenal (bovine: beef), thymus (ovine: lamb), pancreas (porcine: pig) and spleen (bovine). This product is based on the same theory (descried below), however, it is not exactly clear what kind of benefit one will obtain from using it. Increased numbers of CD4, CD8 or NK cells? Increased activity in proliferative responses? Few data exist to support its use. We do have some interesting anecdotal data but even that is a bit hard to tease out. Product is derived from "government-inspected, range-fed animals, raised in New Zealand" according to the manufacturer. See a lenthier discussion at http://www.allergyresearchgroup.com/proddesc/discuss/GlandularsPDFProductSheet051605.pdf. PWHIV are taking 1 capsule 2-3 times per day with meals.

Glandular Extracts
Glandulars are basically ground up organs from various animals. These can be derived from thymus, thyroid, liver, spleen or adrenal cortex. While little used in the U.S., they are fairly popular in Europe. They are controversial since the idea is that consuming them results in migration of the cells to the appropriate organ to help provide replenishment to it.

This theory suggests that the cells are not species-specific but organ-specific. It may be that some of the hormones and other chemicals found inside these cells are what induce the activity and that they are enough alike between a cow or pig and a human to exert a similar effect.

According to theory, cells are able to be absorbed and appropriately directed toward the organ in need (e.g., thymus glandulars go to the thymus) where they contain all the ingredients (hormones, peptides, enzymes, nutrients) to help restore function. Neonatal glandulars are preferred since they are less likely to contain heavy metals or other toxins. Clinical data to support this theory are non-existent. How oral administration would be successful further stretches credulity.

Note: Glandulars should never be stopped suddenly, but reduced gradually in order to assure a feedback inhibition (decreased productivity) of the gland does not occur. Glandulars from Allergy Research Group are derived from animals raised in New Zealand or Australia, reducing worries about BSE or ìmad cowî disease. These are range-grazed, gov-ernment-inspected animals who are not exposed to pesticides, antibiotics or hormones.