Evidence supporting the use of: N-Acetyl Cysteine
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is scientifically validated for supporting the mucus membranes, particularly in the respiratory tract. NAC is a well-established mucolytic agent, meaning it helps to break down and thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. This property has been utilized clinically for decades, especially in conditions characterized by thick, viscous mucus, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis. Multiple randomized controlled trials and reviews (e.g., Poole P et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019) have demonstrated that NAC can reduce the frequency of exacerbations in chronic respiratory diseases and improve sputum clearance. The mechanism by which NAC works involves breaking disulfide bonds within mucus glycoproteins, directly reducing mucus viscosity. Additionally, NAC supports the antioxidant defense system by replenishing intracellular glutathione, which can further protect mucus membranes from oxidative stress and inflammation. This dual action—mucolytic and antioxidant—underpins its use in supporting mucus membrane health. While NAC is primarily used for respiratory mucus, there is less evidence for its benefit in other mucus membranes (such as gastrointestinal or reproductive tracts). Overall, the use of NAC for supporting respiratory mucus membranes is grounded in strong scientific evidence, though its role in other mucus membranes is less documented.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose
Other body systems supported by N-Acetyl Cysteine
BloodBrain
Heart
Hepatic System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System