Evidence supporting the use of: Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid
For the body system: Gall Bladder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) is a bile acid derivative that is naturally found in small amounts in human bile. Its use in supporting the gall bladder and related biliary system is scientifically validated, primarily through its medical application in liver and bile duct diseases. TUDCA is known to improve bile flow and reduce the toxicity of hydrophobic bile acids, which can damage cells lining the bile ducts and gall bladder. Clinical studies and decades of medical practice, particularly in China and parts of Europe, have shown that TUDCA (and its closely related compound, ursodeoxycholic acid or UDCA) can dissolve certain types of gallstones (especially cholesterol gallstones) and improve bile composition, making it less likely for new stones to form.

Furthermore, TUDCA is used as a pharmacological treatment for primary biliary cholangitis and some other cholestatic liver diseases, where it helps protect cholangiocytes (bile duct cells) from apoptosis and improves bile secretion. The mechanism involves reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and stabilizing mitochondrial membranes. However, its use for general gall bladder "support" in healthy individuals is less well-studied and is mostly extrapolated from its efficacy in disease states. The evidence base is robust in the context of specific biliary and hepatic disorders, but more limited in the context of general supplementation for gall bladder health in the absence of disease.

References include clinical guidelines, PubMed-indexed trials, and pharmacology texts on bile acids.

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