# Ovine Spleen Extract (Ovis aries)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ovine-spleen-extract
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-25
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Protein
**Also Known As:** Ovis aries spleen extract, Sheep spleen powder, Ovine splenicum, Lamb spleen concentrate, Sheep organ extract, Ovine glandular supplement

## Overview

Ovine spleen extract is a glandular supplement derived from sheep (Ovis aries) spleen tissue, concentrated to provide heme iron, vitamin B12, and spleen-specific peptides such as tuftsin and splenopentin. These bioactive compounds are theorized to support [immune modulation](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and red blood cell formation, though no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects.

## Health Benefits

• No human clinical trials exist for ovine spleen extract (evidence quality: none)
• Contains naturally occurring heme iron which may support red blood cell formation (evidence quality: theoretical based on nutrient content)
• Provides vitamin B12 which may support neurological function (evidence quality: theoretical based on nutrient content)
• Contains selenium which may support [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) systems (evidence quality: theoretical based on nutrient content)
• May provide organ-specific peptides though no studies demonstrate specific benefits (evidence quality: none)

## Mechanism of Action

Ovine spleen extract contains tuftsin (a tetrapeptide: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), which binds to receptors on macrophages and neutrophils to stimulate phagocytosis and [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release. The heme iron present is absorbed via the heme carrier protein 1 (HCP1) transporter in intestinal enterocytes, bypassing the competitive inhibition that limits non-heme iron absorption. Splenopentin (a pentapeptide fragment of splenin) is proposed to interact with lymphocyte surface receptors, potentially modulating [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity, though this mechanism has only been demonstrated in animal models.

## Clinical Summary

No peer-reviewed human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on ovine spleen extract as a supplement ingredient. The theoretical benefits are extrapolated from research on isolated peptides: tuftsin was identified in human spleen tissue in the 1970s and studied in small rodent models for immune stimulation, with no dose-response data established in humans. Heme iron bioavailability from whole spleen tissue is supported by nutritional science, with heme iron generally showing 15–35% absorption rates versus 2–20% for non-heme iron, but this data derives from food sources, not encapsulated glandular extracts. Overall evidence quality is rated as theoretical or preclinical, and efficacy claims should be interpreted with significant caution.

## Nutritional Profile

Ovine (sheep) spleen is a highly nutrient-dense organ meat with the following approximate compositional profile per 100g raw tissue: Protein: 16–18g (high-quality complete protein containing all essential amino acids, with notable concentrations of leucine ~1.4g, lysine ~1.5g, and glutamic acid ~2.5g); Fat: 3–5g (predominantly phospholipids and cholesterol, with small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA); Carbohydrates: <1g; Water: 74–78g. Key micronutrients include: Heme iron: 20–30mg (highly bioavailable form, absorption rate 15–35% versus 2–20% for non-heme iron, present as hemoglobin and myoglobin fractions); Vitamin B12: 20–30mcg (exceeds daily RDA of 2.4mcg several-fold, in bioactive methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin forms); Zinc: 2–3mg (bioavailable form supporting immune function); Selenium: 25–40mcg (primarily as selenoproteins and selenocysteine, supporting [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase activity); Copper: 0.4–0.6mg; Folate: 20–30mcg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.3–0.5mg; Niacin (B3): 4–6mg. Bioactive compounds include: splenin (a peptide fraction historically studied in Eastern European literature for [immune modulation](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)), tuftsin (a tetrapeptide Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg derived from splenic tissue, known to stimulate macrophage and neutrophil activity), and naturally occurring coenzyme Q10 at low concentrations (~1–3mg/100g). Bioavailability note: As a whole-food animal tissue, nutrients are presented in food-matrix-bound forms with generally superior bioavailability compared to isolated synthetic equivalents; however, processing into extract form (desiccation, hydrolysis) may reduce heat-sensitive B-vitamin content by 10–30%.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges, forms, or standardization details are available as no human trials exist. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Ovine spleen extract carries a risk of prion transmission (e.g., scrapie in sheep), and consumers should verify that products are sourced from certified BSE/TSE-free herds with third-party testing. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should exercise caution, as immunostimulatory peptides like tuftsin could theoretically exacerbate autoimmune activity or interfere with immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Those with hereditary hemochromatosis or iron overload disorders should avoid this supplement due to its heme iron content, which is highly bioavailable and not subject to the same regulatory downregulation as non-heme iron at typical intestinal checkpoints. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been studied, and use is not recommended during these periods.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were identified for ovine spleen extract. Available research focuses only on unrelated ovine tissues such as rumen [microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) effects or transcriptomic responses in sheep spleen to aluminum adjuvants, with no applicable PMIDs for human supplementation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine uses for ovine spleen extract are documented in the available research. Traditional systems like Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine show no recorded use of this specific organ extract.

## Synergistic Combinations

Iron supplements, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Folate, Copper

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is ovine spleen extract used for?

Ovine spleen extract is most commonly marketed to support immune function and iron status, based on its content of tuftsin, splenopentin, and heme iron. Tuftsin stimulates macrophage and neutrophil activity in animal models, while heme iron supports erythropoiesis. However, no human trials have confirmed these effects in a supplement form.

### Is ovine spleen extract the same as desiccated spleen?

Ovine spleen extract and desiccated spleen are related but differ in processing: desiccated spleen is typically freeze-dried or low-heat dried whole spleen tissue, while 'extract' may involve concentration of specific peptide fractions or water/alcohol extraction. Both derive from sheep (Ovis aries) or sometimes bovine spleen, but their bioactive peptide concentrations can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer's method. Always check the certificate of analysis for peptide and iron content.

### Does ovine spleen extract contain iron?

Yes, ovine spleen extract contains heme iron, the organic form of iron bound within hemoglobin and myoglobin proteins found in spleen tissue. Heme iron is absorbed at rates of 15–35% via the HCP1 intestinal transporter, making it significantly more bioavailable than non-heme iron found in plant foods. Exact milligram amounts per serving vary by product and processing method, so checking the supplement facts panel is essential.

### What is tuftsin and why does it matter in spleen supplements?

Tuftsin is a tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) naturally cleaved from the Fc region of IgG immunoglobulin in the spleen, and it acts as an endogenous immune stimulant by binding receptors on macrophages, monocytes, and granulocytes to enhance phagocytic activity. In rodent studies, tuftsin administration increased resistance to bacterial infection and tumor cell killing, but human pharmacokinetic data and effective oral dosing thresholds remain undefined. Its presence in glandular spleen extracts is the primary rationale for immune-support marketing claims.

### Are there any risks or side effects of taking ovine spleen extract?

The primary safety concerns include prion disease risk (e.g., scrapie) if the sheep source is not certified TSE-free, potential immune over-stimulation in people with autoimmune diseases or those on immunosuppressants, and iron overload risk in individuals with hemochromatosis due to the highly bioavailable heme iron. Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or constipation are plausible given the high protein and iron content. Regulatory oversight of glandular supplements is minimal, so third-party certification for heavy metals and pathogen testing is strongly advisable.

### How much ovine spleen extract should I take daily?

Typical supplemental doses of ovine spleen extract range from 200–500 mg per day, though optimal dosing has not been established in human studies. Dosage recommendations vary significantly between manufacturers, and there are no standardized clinical guidelines. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's label instructions and consult a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate dose for your individual needs.

### Is ovine spleen extract safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient safety data on ovine spleen extract use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is generally recommended to avoid supplementation during these periods unless under medical supervision. Animal-derived organ extracts carry potential contamination risks and may contain bioactive compounds whose effects on fetal or infant development are unknown. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using this supplement.

### Does ovine spleen extract interact with blood-thinning or iron supplement medications?

Ovine spleen extract contains naturally occurring heme iron and may potentiate the effects of blood-thinning medications like warfarin or increase iron levels if combined with iron supplements, potentially creating adverse effects. There are no formal interaction studies, but caution is warranted when combining it with anticoagulants or iron-modulating therapies. Always inform your healthcare provider of ovine spleen extract use if you take medications affecting blood clotting or iron metabolism.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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