Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) is a natural bile acid that has gained significant attention in the functional medicine and natural supplementation space in recent years. It is the taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a natural bile acid already present in the human body. TUDCA is more water-soluble than UDCA and exhibits a range of potential protective properties for liver, brain, and intestinal cells.
It is worth examining what contemporary scientific literature says about this compound.
Common Uses (Based on Functional Practice)
TUDCA is often recommended in functional protocols for:
•Recovery after intensive therapies (e.g., deworming, chemotherapy, antibiotics).
•Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT).
•Fatty liver disease, Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), cholestasis, and gallstones.
•Discomfort such as pain on the right side under the ribs or nausea after fatty meals.
•Support in anti-cancer protocols.
•Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, insulin resistance, and post-COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., brain fog and neurotoxicity).
1. TUDCA and Liver Diseases
In liver diseases such as Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/NASH), TUDCA has been the subject of several clinical trials.
One randomized study (199 patients, 24 weeks) compared the effectiveness of TUDCA (250 mg three times daily) with classic UDCA. The results showed that both groups achieved comparable improvement in liver parameters (ALP, ALT, bilirubin) .
In other research, TUDCA demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect—it reduced liver enzyme levels by mitigating oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocytes . Despite these findings, TUDCA is not yet a standard treatment for liver diseases in conventional medicine, as clinical data remains limited.
2. TUDCA and Cellular Stress and Mitochondria
At the cellular level, TUDCA acts as a so-called chemical chaperone—a compound that stabilizes cell membranes and reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). This mechanism is crucial and may be significant not only in the liver but also in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
In animal studies, TUDCA was shown to limit apoptosis (programmed cell death), improve mitochondrial function, and reduce inflammation .
3. TUDCA and Microbiota and the Intestinal Barrier
Preclinical studies suggest that TUDCA may support intestinal health by strengthening the gut barrier and positively influencing the gut microbiota. In animal models subjected to a high-fat diet, TUDCA reduced fatty liver, decreased inflammation, and helped restore bacterial balance .
4. TUDCA and Neuroprotection
A systematic review of 24 studies indicated that TUDCA shows potential in protecting nerve cells from degeneration—including in models of retinopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) . While preliminary results are promising, clear evidence of efficacy in human clinical practice is still lacking.
5. Safety and Caution
TUDCA is generally considered safe at the dosages used in studies (500–1500 mg/day). However, it may interact with medications metabolized by the liver.
In cases of bile duct diseases, gallstones, or severe liver damage, supplementation with TUDCA should always be discussed and monitored by a physician.
6. Summary
TUDCA is a substance with a solid biochemical foundation and interesting therapeutic potential. It supports liver cells and may have a beneficial effect on oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, and the gut microbiota.
However, it is important to note that the majority of compelling evidence comes from preclinical studies. In academic medicine, TUDCA remains an experimental agent rather than a standard treatment. It is a valuable topic to discuss with your healthcare provider, especially in the context of liver, gut, and neurodegenerative health.
