Taurine (2-aminoethanesulphonic acid) is a potent antioxidant amino acid with hepatoprotective effects. A new research report further elucidates the extent to which taurine protects liver cells from toxicity from carbon tetrachloride induced damage. The research team led by Mehmet Refik Mas from Gulhane School of Medicine in Turkey found that co-administering taurine with the toxic CCl4 helped protect liver tissue from necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, and helped protect the mitochondria and nuclei in the liver cells from damage. The taurine “antidote” also helped preserve another cellular structure - the endoplasmic reticulum - from toxic damage. CCl4 results in liver toxicity through its enzymatic conversion to reactive trichloromethyl free radicals, and taurine is thought to provide protection for liver cells through its antioxidant action. The study is experimental; therefore, clinical confirmation is necessary.

The full text of this basic research report is available online free here:

Protective antioxidant effect of taurine against liver toxicity reaction

Reference: Tasci I, Mas N, Mas MR, Tuncer M, Comert B. Ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes after Taurine treatment in CCl4-induced liver injury. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14(31):4897-4902