Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetylcysteine
For the health condition: Hepatitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is primarily recognized for its use in treating acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose, where it acts as a precursor to glutathione, a key antioxidant that helps detoxify the liver. Beyond this well-established use, NAC has also been investigated as an adjunctive therapy for certain types of hepatitis, particularly acute liver failure (ALF) not caused by acetaminophen toxicity (including viral hepatitis).

Several clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest that NAC may provide benefit in acute hepatitis-induced liver failure, especially if administered early. Its mechanisms include replenishing glutathione stores, scavenging free radicals, and improving microcirculatory blood flow in the liver. Randomized controlled trials (e.g., Lee WM et al., Gastroenterology, 2009) have shown improved transplant-free survival in patients with early-stage non-acetaminophen ALF, including cases caused by viral hepatitis, when treated with NAC. However, the evidence is less robust for chronic hepatitis (such as chronic hepatitis B or C), where only limited and preliminary studies exist, showing modest improvements in liver function markers but not clear clinical outcomes.

In summary, the use of NAC is scientifically validated, particularly in acute severe cases and as an adjunct in liver failure, including that due to hepatitis. The evidence does not support its routine use in chronic hepatitis, and clinical guidelines recommend NAC mainly for acute liver failure. The overall quality of evidence for hepatitis-related indications is moderate (rated 3/5), with strongest support in acute settings.

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Other ingredients used for Hepatitis

green chiretta
astragalus
black cumin
branched-chain amino acids
rice
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
turmeric
dandelion
knotweed
jujube
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
Lactoferrin
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
Marine lipid
Milk thistle
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
oleanolic acid
omega-3 fatty acids
oregon grape
parsley
plum fruit
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
protein
reishi mushroom
selenium
shiitake mushroom
silymarin
spirulina
Turkey tail mushroom
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
Zinc
sarsaparilla
Indian bael
punarnava
commiphora
Tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
Caesalpinia crista
Rubia cordifolia
Swertia
peony
lingzhi
Szechuan lovage
Morus
Myrrh
ganoderma
aster root
paw paw
Algae
Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
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Auricularia
AHCC
Ajuga
aucubin
andrographolide
Albumin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
astragaloside
Andrographis
Agrimonia pilosa
astragalin
atractylone
black seed
borotutu
Broussonetia
bergenin
betulinic acid
bayleaf
bitter grass
bael
Basidiomycota
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bombax
borassus palm
Borassus aethiopum
bacteria
black root
BCAA
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baicalin
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isosilybin
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Yin Chen
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Products containing N-acetylcysteine

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.