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N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a compound produced in the body that is used to synthesize glutathione, involved in detoxification. It acts as a powerful antioxidant and can provide relief for respiratory disorders, and may have applications in treating depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. NAC may also play a role in preventing and treating cancer, preventing liver damage caused by acetaminophen poisoning, and kidney failure caused by radiocontrast-induced nephropathy. It can be administered in various forms, including liquid and effervescent tablets.
N-acetylcysteine, also written as N-acetylcysteine or simply NAC, is a compound produced in the body from cysteine, a non-essential amino acid. It is used to synthesize glutathione, another amino acid involved in the detoxification of carcinogens. While these chemicals work synergistically together to keep the body free of foreign materials, n-acetyl cysteine is a powerful antioxidant on its own. In fact, it plays a key role in neutralizing reactive oxygen molecules and other free radicals.
When administered as an inhalant, this compound can provide relief for many respiratory disorders. It is credited with mucolytic properties, meaning it acts as a decongestant to help loosen and literally digest the mucus in the lungs. This is accomplished by dissolving certain proteins present in the mucus by breaking the “disulfide bridge” or covalent bonds that join their thiol groups. Several clinical trials demonstrate this activity, making this substance a valuable treatment for chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
As a nutritional supplement, n-acetyl cysteine may have a wide variety of applications due to its regulation of glutathione and glutamate, an important neurotransmitter involved in cellular metabolism. While there has not been enough research to substantiate the validity of treating many of the conditions this compound is reputed to improve, there is sufficient evidence to warrant further investigation. For example, there are reports that this agent can be a hangover home remedy when combined with vitamins C and B1. Other claims include the ability of this amino acid to moderate certain compulsive disorders, especially nail biting and hair pulling. In contrast to this anecdotal evidence, there is clinical evidence to support claims that n-acetyl cysteine improves symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
NAC’s antioxidant activity leads researchers to suspect that it may play a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In addition to inhibiting oxidative damage, studies have shown that this acid reduces the rate of growth and metastasis of cancer cells. It has also been established that this agent can prevent liver damage caused by acetaminophen poisoning, as well as kidney failure caused by radiocontrast-induced nephropathy (RCN). In the case of acetaminophen toxicity, NAC stimulates an increase in glutathione release, which prevents the accumulation of n-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, a byproduct of acetaminophen metabolism that damages liver cells.
There are several ways that n-acetyl cysteine can be administered. It is available in liquid form and as effervescent tablets in most countries without a prescription. When used to counteract an overdose of acetaminophen, it is given by intravenous injection. When used in mucolytic therapy to relieve lung congestion, it can be administered as an ocular solution or inhalant, which usually requires a prescription.
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