Hormone Support

Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal)

Also known as: adrenal cortex extract, adrenal glandular, bovine adrenal glandular, adrenal tissue extract

Evidence

Bovine adrenal cortex is a glandular extract derived from cattle adrenal glands, traditionally used to support adrenal function and stress resilience. Evidence for efficacy is limited and primarily anecdotal; clinical research is sparse.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.

Add Pure Encapsulations ADR Formula to your stack — free

The highest-scored Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) product in our catalog (82/100). Track dose and overlaps in the app.

Add it →

Every Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) product we have scored

#	Product	Score	Per serving
1	Pure Encapsulations ADR Formula	82 A-	$0.77
2	Pure Encapsulations Adrenal	80 A-	$0.72
3	Thorne Adrenal Cortex	78 B+	$0.33

Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Common questions

How much Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) should I take?

The typical range is 300–500 mg daily. No established optimal duration; typically used ongoing for chronic support

When should I take Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal)?

Morning or with meals. May be taken with food to minimize digestive upset.

Which form of Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) is best?

Capsule. Other forms in the catalog: Tablet, Powder.

Is Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) safe?

Commonly reported: Mild GI upset, Nausea, Headache (rare).

Which Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) supplement scores highest?

Pure Encapsulations ADR Formula, at 82/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Primary uses

Adrenal support
Stress management
Energy and fatigue
Hormonal balance support

How it works

Provides endogenous hormones and cofactors (cortisol, DHEA, chromaffin cell compounds) that may support adrenal axis function
Potential nutritional support via micronutrients present in adrenal tissue

Dosage

Typical range: 300–500 mg daily
Timing: Morning or with meals
With food: May be taken with food to minimize digestive upset
Duration: No established optimal duration; typically used ongoing for chronic support
Special populations: Not established for pregnancy/lactation or pediatric use; autoimmune individuals should consult a practitioner

Forms

Capsule· 70/100
Tablet· 70/100
Powder· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

Mild GI upset
Nausea
Headache (rare)

Contraindications

Autoimmune adrenal disorders (Addison's disease)
Cushing's syndrome or excess cortisol states
Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient safety data)
Bovine tissue allergy or sensitivity

Products containing Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal)

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Pure Encapsulations

Pure Encapsulations

Thorne

Evidence notes

Very limited peer-reviewed clinical evidence. No high-quality RCTs demonstrating efficacy for adrenal fatigue or stress support. Historical use and practitioner anecdotes predominate; theoretical benefit based on tissue content rather than empirical validation.

Grade D: Primarily pre-clinical or anecdotal; human efficacy not established.

Related in Hormone Support

Check a full stack

Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.

Open the checker

Where does Bovine Adrenal Cortex (Supranal) fit in your stack?

Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.

Build my stack

2 questions · free · no account needed to start

Also on iPhone — get the free app

📬 Get new guides in your inbox

Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam

We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.

Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.