Efficacy of TUDCA and Milk Thistle on Liver Health

[greco]

I'm not a big fan of herbals. There isn't enough supporting evidence for most of them, and there is usually sufficient evidence they are ineffective. With that said, last April, for the first time in my life my liver function was out-of-whack and blood test indicated liver damage. So, I went on TUDCA and Milk Thistle because why not, can't hurt, maybe it will help. Four months later, I got blood work again, and everything is back to normal. I know it's a single data point, and I know it's purely anecdotal, and it could be coincidence, since I also cut out other harmful behavior such as drinking and all over-the-counter medicines, but the fact remains, what was abnormal is now normal. I'm taking fairly large doses, based on some studies which show it takes a lot to be effective and most guidelines are way too far on the conservative side. TUDCA 4,800mg and Milk Thistle 2,700mg (Silymarin 2,160) per day (4x and 6x the on-bottle recommended dosages, respectively).

Does anyone else have a similar or contradictory experience (with evidence)?

 

[Battousai]

I'm the same way about herbal supplements. However, TUDCA is not a herb, your body naturally produces it. Further more, high AST and ALT levels do not necessarily equate to liver damage. You need to do more in depth tests to determine that.

 

[greco]

I'm the same way about herbal supplements. However, TUDCA is not a herb, your body naturally produces it. Further more, high AST and ALT levels do not necessarily equate to liver damage. You need to do more in depth tests to determine that.

I know TUDCA is not an herbal, I just use the word to mean "bullshit" in general. Also, know that those numbers don't guarantee liver damage, other things can raise them, but it's not a good sign regardless. So, I know this is all very bro-sciencey, but still curious as to other's experiences.

 

[mae_geri]

My ALT & AST is allways around 100, but the other liver enzymes are in the range, in my case ALT & AST is elevated when Creatin Kinase Value is also around 1000 and more which indicate muscle ruptures, my doctor explained me that that is normal, even a marathon runner can achieve CK values over 5000 after a run and AST & ALT over 200 while the rest of the liver enzymes such as GGT & ALP are completely in range.

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[GrindingGray]

I think the fact that herbs were the primary source of medications before pharmaceuticals existed says a lot.

 

[tommygunz]

I’m a cirrhosis patient and have an in depth’s understanding of the liver. It is a unique organ due to the fact that it can regenerate TO A POINT. When you guys see liver values elevated, alt ast bilirubin kc, it is a sign of liver stress and its reaction to exterior influences. Once those are addressed it will do the work and get better. Supplements IMO have nominal effect on the natural healing. I equate it to multivitamins and their effect on bodily health.

Don’t abuse it is the best therapy

 

[tommygunz]

I think the fact that herbs were the primary source of medications before pharmaceuticals existed says a lot.

Of course, there was nothing else lol. Many pharmaceuticals are based on herbal methodologies and actions.

 

[StadaCody]

I'm not a big fan of herbals. There isn't enough supporting evidence for most of them, and there is usually sufficient evidence they are ineffective. With that said, last April, for the first time in my life my liver function was out-of-whack and blood test indicated liver damage. So, I went on TUDCA and Milk Thistle because why not, can't hurt, maybe it will help. Four months later, I got blood work again, and everything is back to normal. I know it's a single data point, and I know it's purely anecdotal, and it could be coincidence, since I also cut out other harmful behavior such as drinking and all over-the-counter medicines, but the fact remains, what was abnormal is now normal. I'm taking fairly large doses, based on some studies which show it takes a lot to be effective and most guidelines are way too far on the conservative side. TUDCA 4,800mg and Milk Thistle 2,700mg (Silymarin 2,160) per day (4x and 6x the on-bottle recommended dosages, respectively).

Does anyone else have a similar or contradictory experience (with evidence)?


View attachment 146218View attachment 146219

Those are good but I’d go with glutathione for sure for sure

 

[tommygunz]

Those are good but I’d go with glutathione for sure for sure

Oral glutathione is useless, the bioavailability is minimal. However injectable glutathione is quite the opposite and is a very potent antioxidant that is helpful to your liver. I’ve used several protocols from once weekly to EOD. I find that a lower dose, more frequently is a better choice. I shoot for 400mg a week. It’s an IM injection that tends to have a bite. The standard clinical administration route is IV drip but I wouldn’t even attempt that.

 

[Doug 64]

Oral glutathione is useless, the bioavailability is minimal. However injectable glutathione is quite the opposite and is a very potent antioxidant that is helpful to your liver. I’ve used several protocols from once weekly to EOD. I find that a lower dose, more frequently is a better choice. I shoot for 400mg a week. It’s an IM injection that tends to have a bite. The standard clinical administration route is IV drip but I wouldn’t even attempt that.

I have had great results with intramuscular injections.And in fact just about six months ago I had blood drawn that showed liver functions elevated. I did a couple of rounds of injectable glutathione and did repeat bloodwork a week or so later. ( unrelated for another doc) ALL LFTs were smack in the middle of their zones.

 

[Phill]

There isn't enough supporting evidence? (maybe you didn't even look for them)
LOL
udca and tudca are drugs sold by international pharmaceutical companies.
It means that they have gone through years and years of study before being approved and sold.