Early use of adrenal extract was conducted in the 1930’s in clinical settings, whereby much of the regulatory framework which banned active hormone use was likely not in place. Since then there has not been as rigorous investigation as one would like with new preparations of both whole extract and cortex. However, in 1985 French researchers did note some preclinical evidence showing the impact of an aqueous adrenal cortex extract on the neuronal uptake of noradrenaline.
References:
Pham Huu Chanh, Kaiser, R., Chahine, R., About-Assaly, M., & Melky, G. (1985). Effects of corticoadrenal extract on the neuronal and extraneuronal uptake of noradrenaline in the isolated rabbit heart. Die Naturwissenschaften, 72(2), 94–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00508143