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Natural therapeutic approach:
CF Support for chronic fatigue syndrome
NatCell® CF Support is a blend of adrenal and
mesenchymal cell extracts
Adrenal extract to
support the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis
· Adrenal extract derived from the gland
of mammals has a long history of use as a booster
for adrenal functions. Originally administered in
an injectable form along with vitamins, it is now
more conveniently available for oral administration.
Animal studies have shown that both forms have comparable
activities (Craveri, 1971). Adrenal extract acts
by supplying a small amount of adrenal hormones
and factors that promote an improved adrenal function.
· The adrenals are little triangular-shaped
glands located on top of each kidney (Mg. 2).
Figure 2. The Adrenal Glands
The inner part of the adrenal, called the medulla,
produces epinephrine (adrenaline) that is directly
involved in the "fight or flight" response to a perceived
danger. Epinephrine raises pulse rate, blood flow
and blood sugar. The outer part of the adrenal, called
the cortex, secretes three major corticosteroids:
17-ketosteroids (DHEA), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
and glucocortocoids (cortisol and corticosterone).
These hormones have diverse functions in the body.
Androgen precursors such as DHEA have anti-inflammatory
and growth-promoting functions and are believed to
have anti-aging properties in both men and women.
Aldosterone controls sodium excretion by the kidney
to maintain blood volume and blood pressure. Cortisol
is the most potent glucocorticoid produced by the
adrenal. It is structurally derived from cholesterol
(Fig. 3) and acts on specific receptors
Figure 3.
Chemical Structure of Cortisol
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throughout the body to influence glucose homeostasis,
fat and CH20H protein metabolism, immune cortisel
I function, vascular tone and bone metabolism.
It also has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
As mentioned before, cortisol secretion is controlled
through the HPA axis via ACTH secretion by the
pituitary gland. Cortisol secretion
is subjected to cireadian variations with peaks
in the early morning and at night. Cortisol can
also be triggered in situation of physical and
psychological stresses. |
In CFS, the adrenal can still produce minimal levels
of these hormones but the normal circadian rhythm
of cortisol secretion is disrupted and the adrenal
reserve is low (MacHale, 1998). As a consequence,
the depleted adrenal cannot respond adequately to
any stressful situation whether physical or psychological.
Adrenal depletion results in reduced physical and
emotional resistance as well as general exhaustion
and weakness. Supplementing with adrenal extract may
stimulate a sluggish gland by providing the little
hormonal kick needed to step back in the right gear.
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