Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
For the health condition: Cirrhosis of the Liver

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle and plays a vital role in cellular energy production and amino acid metabolism. Its use in liver cirrhosis is based on a scientific rationale rather than traditional medicine. The primary support comes from preclinical studies and a limited number of small clinical trials suggesting potential benefits in liver disease, including cirrhosis.

AKG has been studied for its role in ammonia detoxification, as it can bind and help remove excess ammonia, a problem in advanced liver disease. In animal models, AKG supplementation has shown hepatoprotective effects, such as reducing liver fibrosis and improving liver function tests. A few small human studies have evaluated AKG or its derivative ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) in patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatic encephalopathy, with some reports of improved nitrogen balance, reduced ammonia levels, and enhanced nutritional status.

However, the overall clinical evidence is limited: most studies are small, short-term, and sometimes combined AKG with other amino acids, making it difficult to attribute benefits solely to AKG. No large, well-controlled clinical trials have definitively established its efficacy or safety for cirrhosis. Thus, while there is a scientific basis and some preliminary data suggesting benefit, the strength of evidence supporting AKG use in cirrhosis is modest (rated 2/5), and it is not considered a standard therapy.

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