Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
For the health condition: Arthritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant supplement that has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or treating arthritis, particularly due to its capacity to replenish intracellular glutathione and reduce oxidative stress. While there is scientific interest and some preliminary research, the evidence supporting NAC’s use for arthritis is limited and not robust. A handful of animal studies and small clinical trials suggest that NAC may help decrease inflammation and cartilage degradation in models of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For example, some studies have found that NAC can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative damage in joint tissues, which are factors implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis. However, high-quality, large-scale human clinical trials are lacking. Most of the available studies are preclinical or involve small patient populations, and results are not always consistent. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have not established NAC as a standard or clearly effective therapy for arthritis. Current guidelines from major rheumatological societies do not recommend NAC as a treatment for arthritis. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for the use of NAC as an adjunctive therapy in arthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are currently insufficient to support its routine use for this condition. More rigorous clinical research is needed to clarify its efficacy and safety in arthritis patients.
Other ingredients used for Arthritis
adrenal cortexalfalfa
algal oil
allspice
aloe vera
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bamboo
barberry
basil
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
calamari oil
cannabis sativa oil
capsaicinoids
carrot
cartilage
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
celery
cherry
chondroitin
chymotrypsin
cinnamon
citrus oil
clove
collagen
collard
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
copper
cordyceps
cowage seed
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
curcumin
devil's claw
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
gelatin
genistein
ginger
ginseng
glucosamine
gooseberry
gotu kola
green lipped mussel
green tea
guggul
heartwood
hemp oil
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
kale
krill oil
kudzu
luteolin
mackerel
magnesium
marine lipid
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
moringa
mustard seed
myristoleate
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
spruce
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
papain
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pregnenolone
pumpkin
quercetin
raspberry
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sardines
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spinach
spirulina
strawberry
strontium
thyme
triphala
ubiquinol
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
water
watercress
wheat grass
mulberry
white willow
wild yam
zinc
sarsaparilla
yellow root
suma
squawvine
jiaogulan
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
commiphora
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
morus
lemongrass
myrrh
root tuber
ferulic acid
silk tree
chrysanthemum
haliotis
juniper berries
solomon's seal
amber
dioscorea
dodder
ganoderma
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
royal jelly
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
fulvic acid
yucca
barrenwort
wintergreen
menthol oil
gentiana macrophylla
noni
biota seed
goji berry
abies spectabilis
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
indigo leaves
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
soursop
geranium
clematis
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Ash
Aralia
Avens
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Aminomonosaccharide
Animal Tissue
Antler
Alpha-Humulene
Ardisia
Angelica
Apigenin
Allicin
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Andrographis
Ampelopsin
Actaea spicata
Asteracea
Avenacosides
Acetylsalicylic acid
Arjunic Acid
Aspen
Ant
Abalone
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Apocynin
Astragalin
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Betony
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bulnesia sarmientoi
bergenin
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bugbane
Bone Marrow
Baicalein
Bee hive
Bovine Protein
Basidiomycota
berry
Bogbean
Boswellia
Black Poplar
Banyan
Black willow
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bioflavonoids
Barbasco
Bone Protein
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Babassu
Bacteria
Borage
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Black root
Bupleurum
Bittersweet
benzyl isothiocyanate
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Bee venom
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Crustaceans
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Camelina Oil
Cod Liver Oil
Cortisol
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Capillary Artemisia
Cyanidin
Chinese Fleeceflower
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Cowherb
Cruciferous
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Cedar
Corktree
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
C-Phycocyanin
Cabbage
Crinum latifolium
Cannabidiol
Cinnamaldehyde
Cytokines
Corallina officinalis
Carthamus
Celastrus
Copaiba Oil
Clerodendrum indicum
Currant
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Dimorphandra mollis
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Daphne
Devil's Club
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
Dwarf Nettle
Dulse
Diterpenes
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
European Elder
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Elk antler
Emblicanin
Emu Oil
Enzyme Blend
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Evening Primrose Oil
European-Five Finger Grass
Echium
Eugenol
Ecklonia
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Glycosaminoglycans
Lotus
Mustard
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
walnut
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Addictions (drugs)Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestive Heart Failure
Crohn's Disease
Depression
Diabetes
Emphysema
Environmental Pollution
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hepatitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Schizophrenia
Products containing n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Metagenics
AdvaClear
Metagenics
AdvaClear
Designs For Health
Amino-D-Tox™
Designs For Health
Amino-D-Tox™
Pure Encapsulations
AntiOxidant Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Athletic Nutrients
Metagenics
Axis Endo™ Mango
Metagenics
Ceralin® Forte
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics
Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics
Clear Change Daily Essentials
Designs For Health
Detox Antiox™
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics
Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health
Detoxification Support Packets
Pure Encapsulations
DIM Detox
Metagenics
EstroFactors®
Metagenics
GlutaClear®
Designs For Health
Hepatatone Plus™
Pure Encapsulations
Hist Reset
Pure Encapsulations
HM Complex
Pure Encapsulations
HM Complex
Metagenics
Immune Active
Metagenics
Immune Defense Pack
Integrative Therapeutics
K-PAX MitoNutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Lithium Orotate 5 mg
Pure Encapsulations
Lithium Orotate 5 mg
Pure Encapsulations
Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations
LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations
LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Macular Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Macular Support Formula
Designs For Health
Metal-X-Synergy™
Metagenics
MethylCare
Pure Encapsulations
Mitochondria-ATP
Integrative Therapeutics
Multiplex-1 No-Iron
Designs For Health
N-Acetyl-Cysteine
Integrative Therapeutics
NAC
Thorne
NAC
Pure Encapsulations
NAC+ Glycine Powder
Douglas Laboratories
NAC (N-ACETYL CYSTEINE) 600 mg
Douglas Laboratories
NAC (N-ACETYL CYSTEINE) 900 mg
Pure Encapsulations
NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations
NAC (n-acetyl-l-cysteine) 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations
NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations
NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 900 mg
Pure Encapsulations
NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 900 mg
Pure Encapsulations
Nutrient 950® with NAC
Designs For Health
OcuForce™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Designs For Health
Pulmonary Revive™
Pure Encapsulations
PureDefense with NAC
Pure Encapsulations
PureDefense with NAC
Pure Encapsulations
PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Metagenics
Renagen™ DTX
Designs For Health
S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy
Metagenics
Sinuplex®
Vitabase
Super Antioxidant Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Th2 Modulator
Metagenics
Trancor®
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics
UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla