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Parotid

Also known as: Parotid gland, Parotid tissue, Parotid extract, Parotid Gland

Overview

The parotid gland is one of the three major salivary glands, located near the ear, responsible for producing saliva rich in enzymes like amylase. As a supplement ingredient, 'parotid' typically refers to glandular extracts, though this is uncommon and lacks substantial evidence. These extracts, if used, would contain salivary proteins and enzymes. The parotid gland's primary function is secreting saliva to aid digestion. Research on the parotid gland mainly focuses on surgical, diagnostic, and pathological aspects, such as salivary function, glandular tumors, and surgical outcomes, rather than its use as a supplement. There is no established use or strong scientific support for parotid gland extracts in dietary supplements.

Benefits

There are no peer-reviewed, high-quality studies demonstrating benefits of parotid gland extracts as a supplement. Research on the parotid gland itself is focused on surgical outcomes, tumor management, and salivary function, not supplementation. Therefore, no specific benefits can be attributed to its use as a dietary supplement. Claims suggesting benefits are not substantiated by scientific evidence.

How it works

The parotid gland secretes saliva containing enzymes such as amylase, which aids in digestion. If used as an extract, the theoretical mechanism would involve supplying salivary enzymes to support digestion. Saliva from the parotid gland interacts with the digestive and oral systems. The primary molecular targets would be amylase and other salivary enzymes. However, the absorption and bioavailability of these enzymes from a supplement form have not been studied.

Side effects

There is no safety data available for parotid gland extracts used as a supplement. Surgical and diagnostic studies on the parotid gland itself report risks related to surgery (e.g., nerve damage, salivary complications), but these are not relevant to supplementation. Due to the lack of research, common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not applicable. Drug interactions, contraindications, and special population considerations are also not established. Therefore, the safety profile of parotid gland extract as a supplement is unknown.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for parotid gland extracts as a supplement. Timing considerations, form-specific recommendations, absorption factors, and required cofactors are also not studied. Due to the lack of research and established safety data, no dosage guidelines can be provided.

FAQs

Is there evidence to support the use of parotid gland extracts as a supplement?

No, there is no evidence to support the use of parotid gland extracts as a supplement. Claims of benefits are not substantiated by peer-reviewed research.

Is parotid gland extract safe to use as a supplement?

No safety data exists for parotid gland extract when used as a supplement. Therefore, its safety is unknown, and caution is advised.

What benefits can I expect from taking parotid gland extract?

No benefits are expected based on current evidence. Research focuses on surgical and diagnostic aspects of the parotid gland, not supplementation.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33878987/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined deep lobe parotid tumors, finding a 26.6% rate of malignancy. The study focuses on tumor characteristics and surgical outcomes, providing insights into the management of parotid gland tumors but not addressing supplementation.
https://academic.oup.com/ajcp/article/136/5/729/1766053 – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section for salivary gland tumors. The study assesses the reliability of this diagnostic method in identifying salivary gland tumors, but it does not relate to the use of parotid gland extracts as a supplement.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9027715/ – This systematic review compares LigaSure versus conventional parotidectomy techniques. The findings indicate no significant difference in salivary complications between the two surgical approaches, focusing on surgical outcomes rather than supplementation.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1010518220300950 – This study investigates the role of the parotid gland in the development of oral health. The research focuses on the gland's function in saliva production and its impact on oral health, but it does not address the use of parotid gland extracts as a supplement.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1093924/full – This research explores the pharmacological properties of salivary gland secretions. The study examines the composition and potential therapeutic applications of saliva, but it does not specifically investigate the use of parotid gland extracts as a dietary supplement.