# Porcine Heart Extract (Sus scrofa domesticus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/porcine-heart-extract
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-25
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Protein
**Also Known As:** Sus scrofa domesticus heart extract, Pig heart extract, Swine heart extract, Porcine cardiac extract, PHE, Domestic pig heart peptides

## Overview

Porcine heart extract (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a glandular supplement derived from pig heart tissue that contains bioactive cholesterol-binding peptides capable of modulating serum lipid levels. These peptides act by sequestering cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and interfering with lipid absorption pathways, producing clinically measurable reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.

## Health Benefits

• Cholesterol Management: Maintains significant reductions in total cholesterol (p=0.018) and LDL-cholesterol (p=0.005) in obese patients with metabolic syndrome (moderate evidence from one RCT, n=40)
• Lipid Profile Support: Contains six cholesterol-binding peptides that help modulate serum lipids (preliminary evidence)
• [Antioxidant Activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Contains four peptides with demonstrated antioxidant properties (preliminary evidence)
• [Blood Pressure Regulation](/ingredients/condition/heart-health): Contains two ACE-inhibitory peptides that may support cardiovascular health (preliminary evidence)
• Enzyme Modulation: Reduces LDH and GGTP levels while maintaining stable AST/ALT/CPK markers (moderate evidence from one RCT)

## Mechanism of Action

Porcine heart extract contains at least six identified cholesterol-binding peptides that physically sequester dietary and biliary cholesterol within the gastrointestinal lumen, reducing its micellarization and subsequent absorption through intestinal enterocytes. These peptides may also upregulate hepatic LDL receptor expression, increasing clearance of circulating LDL-cholesterol particles from the bloodstream. The net effect is a downregulation of serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, likely without direct inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, distinguishing its mechanism from statin-class drugs.

## Clinical Summary

A single randomized controlled trial (n=40) in obese patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome demonstrated statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol (p=0.018) and LDL-cholesterol (p=0.005) following supplementation with porcine heart extract. These results represent moderate-quality evidence given the small sample size and single-study foundation, and findings have not yet been replicated in larger or more diverse populations. No peer-reviewed data currently exist on optimal dosing duration, long-term [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) outcomes, or efficacy in non-obese or non-metabolic-syndrome populations. The evidence base is considered preliminary, and broader clinical trials are needed before definitive therapeutic recommendations can be made.

## Nutritional Profile

Porcine heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat with a well-characterized macronutrient profile. Per 100g raw tissue: Protein: ~17-20g (high biological value, complete amino acid profile including all essential amino acids; rich in taurine ~50-100mg/100g and carnitine ~1,000-2,000mg/100g, among the highest carnitine concentrations of any food source). Fat: ~3-7g (variable by preparation; contains phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine as primary structural lipid components; cholesterol ~140-150mg/100g). Carbohydrates: ~0.1-0.5g (trace glycogen). Key micronutrients: Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol): ~113-168mg/kg fresh weight, one of the richest dietary sources; Iron (heme-iron, Fe²⁺): ~4-6mg/100g with superior bioavailability (~25-35%) compared to non-heme sources; Zinc: ~1.5-2.5mg/100g; Selenium: ~25-35µg/100g; Copper: ~0.3-0.5mg/100g; Vitamin B12: ~6-10µg/100g (250-400% RDI); Riboflavin (B2): ~0.9-1.2mg/100g; Niacin (B3): ~7-9mg/100g; Folate: ~3-5µg/100g; Phosphorus: ~200-220mg/100g. Bioactive compounds identified in extracts: Six characterized cholesterol-binding peptides (sequences not fully published; interact with bile acids and cholesterol micelles in vitro); four [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) peptides with radical-scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assay-confirmed); myoglobin and cytochrome proteins contributing to iron content. Bioavailability notes: Heme iron and B12 from cardiac tissue are highly bioavailable; CoQ10 absorption is enhanced by concurrent dietary fat; peptide bioavailability from extracts depends heavily on processing method (enzymatic hydrolysis improves intestinal absorption of bioactive peptides compared to intact protein). Extract concentrations vary significantly by manufacturer processing protocol.

## Dosage & Preparation

No standardized dosages have been established. The single human trial used porcine heart/aorta-derived meat protein alongside a low-calorie diet, but exact mg/kg or daily amounts were not quantified. No dosage ranges for extract, powder, or other forms have been specified in available studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Porcine heart extract is contraindicated in individuals with pork or porcine-derived product allergies due to the risk of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Patients taking lipid-lowering medications such as statins or fibrates should exercise caution, as additive cholesterol-lowering effects could theoretically increase the risk of excessively low LDL levels, though this interaction has not been formally studied. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation are absent, so use is not recommended in these populations until further research is available. As a glandular product, there is also a theoretical risk of pathogen transmission, and sourcing from certified, pharmaceutical-grade suppliers is strongly advised.

## Scientific Research

Limited human clinical evidence exists, with one randomized controlled trial (n=40 obese patients with metabolic syndrome) comparing low-calorie diet alone to diet plus porcine heart/aorta-derived meat protein supplement (PMC8307898). The treatment group maintained significant cholesterol reductions versus controls. No large RCTs or meta-analyses for standalone porcine heart extract were identified.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No evidence of historical or traditional medicinal use in systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda was identified. Porcine heart extract appears to be a modern development arising from biomedical processing rather than traditional ethnomedicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

CoQ10, Omega-3 fatty acids, Red yeast rice, Plant sterols, Niacin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is porcine heart extract used for?

Porcine heart extract is primarily used as a glandular supplement to support cholesterol management, particularly in individuals with elevated LDL-cholesterol or metabolic syndrome. Its six identified cholesterol-binding peptides help reduce serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, as demonstrated in a clinical trial involving 40 obese patients with metabolic syndrome.

### How much does porcine heart extract lower cholesterol?

In the only published RCT (n=40), porcine heart extract produced statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol (p=0.018) and LDL-cholesterol (p=0.005) in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Specific percentage or mg/dL reduction values were not reported in available study summaries, and the magnitude of effect may vary by individual baseline lipid status and dose.

### Is porcine heart extract safe to take?

Porcine heart extract is generally considered safe for individuals without pork allergies, but formal long-term safety studies are lacking. Those with known hypersensitivity to porcine products should avoid it entirely, and individuals on statin or fibrate therapy should consult a physician before use due to potential additive lipid-lowering effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use given the absence of safety data.

### What are the active compounds in porcine heart extract?

The primary bioactive components identified in porcine heart extract are six distinct cholesterol-binding peptides derived from the cardiac tissue of Sus scrofa domesticus. These peptides are believed to sequester cholesterol in the gut lumen, reducing its absorption, and may also influence hepatic LDL receptor activity to enhance circulating LDL clearance.

### Who should take porcine heart extract?

Current clinical evidence most directly supports porcine heart extract use in obese adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome who have elevated total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels. It is not appropriate for individuals with pork allergies, those who are pregnant or nursing, or those seeking a substitute for proven lipid-lowering therapies without physician guidance. Broader use recommendations await replication of initial findings in larger, more diverse clinical trials.

### Does porcine heart extract interact with cholesterol-lowering medications like statins?

Porcine heart extract may have additive effects when combined with statin medications due to its cholesterol-binding peptides, potentially enhancing lipid reduction. However, clinical interaction studies are limited; consult your healthcare provider before combining porcine heart extract with prescription cholesterol medications to avoid over-correction of cholesterol levels. Current evidence does not indicate direct pharmacological conflicts, but individual responses vary based on medication type and dosage.

### What is the most bioavailable form of porcine heart extract, and how does processing affect its peptide content?

Porcine heart extract bioavailability depends on peptide preservation during processing; enzymatically hydrolyzed forms typically show better absorption than non-hydrolyzed whole-tissue extracts. Heat treatment and acid hydrolysis can degrade the cholesterol-binding and antioxidant peptides, making cold-processed or patented extraction methods potentially more effective. The specific peptide profile and molecular weight distribution significantly influence how much active compound reaches systemic circulation.

### What does the clinical evidence show about porcine heart extract's effectiveness in different patient populations?

Current evidence is moderate, based primarily on one randomized controlled trial (n=40) showing significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol specifically in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Research is limited in other populations such as healthy individuals, those with genetic lipid disorders, or non-obese patients, making it unclear whether benefits extend beyond metabolic syndrome contexts. More large-scale, long-term studies are needed to establish efficacy across diverse demographic groups and clinical conditions.

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