Evidence Level
TUDCA has a robust evidence base as both a pharmaceutical and supplement. Pan et al. (2013) conducted a multicenter RCT showing TUDCA at 750mg/day significantly improved biochemical markers in primary biliary cholangitis patients. Rodrigues et al. (1998) established the mechanistic basis for TUDCA's cytoprotective effects through mitochondrial membrane stabilization and apoptosis inhibition. Ozcan et al. (2006) published a landmark paper in Science demonstrating that TUDCA resolves ER stress and improves insulin signaling, opening a new therapeutic avenue for metabolic diseases. Kars et al. (2010) translated these findings to humans, showing improved insulin sensitivity in obese subjects. TUDCA's dual role as both a bile acid and chemical chaperone makes it uniquely versatile among hepatoprotective agents.