N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) — Cysteine derivative / antioxidant precursor / mucolytic
NAC is the rate-limiting precursor for glutathione (GSH) synthesis — the body's primary intracellular antioxidant. Provides cysteine for GSH via direct precursor replenishment. Also acts as a direct antioxidant (thiol group), reduces disulfide bonds in mucus (mucolytic), and modulates NF-κB, mTOR, and glutamatergic signaling. At high IV doses, prevents acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by replenishing GSH stores. Oral evidence for: PCOS/fertility (improves ovulation and pregnancy rates), OCD augmentation, addiction craving reduction, COPD exacerbation prevention.
نظرة عامة
هذه الصفحة جزء من مكتبة المركّبات المُصنَّفة بالأدلة في Hormonaly. جميع الادعاءات السريرية مرتبطة بمصادر علمية مُحكَّمة عبر خط أنابيب التحقق المزدوج للاستشهادات.
فئة المركّب
Cysteine derivative / antioxidant precursor / mucolytic
آلية العمل
NAC is the rate-limiting precursor for glutathione (GSH) synthesis — the body's primary intracellular antioxidant. Provides cysteine for GSH via direct precursor replenishment. Also acts as a direct antioxidant (thiol group), reduces disulfide bonds in mucus (mucolytic), and modulates NF-κB, mTOR, and glutamatergic signaling. At high IV doses, prevents acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by replenishing GSH stores. Oral evidence for: PCOS/fertility (improves ovulation and pregnancy rates), OCD augmentation, addiction craving reduction, COPD exacerbation prevention.
الوضع التنظيمي
FDA-approved IV form (Acetadote) for acetaminophen overdose. Oral is OTC supplement. FDA removed some oral NAC products from supplement market (2021 ruling under review).
مستوى الأدلة
High for IV acetaminophen toxicity (FDA-approved). Moderate for PCOS, COPD, and psychiatric augmentation. Multiple Cochrane reviews.