Taurine (Herb/Suppl)

CHF, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cystic fibrosis, antiatherogenic effects

Other uses include seizure disorders (epilepsy), autism, ADHD, retinal degeneration, diabetes, alcoholism, improve mental performance & antioxidant.

Efficacy

In human clinical studies taurine lowered blood pressure

CHF: Seems to improve left ventricular function in patients with New York Heart Association functional class II to IV

Acute Hepatitis: Might improve liver function

In animal studies taurine lowered lipid levels, but human studies are contradictory

None reported

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

Pregnancy, lactation

Monitor pts with CHF

Pregnancy Category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Metabolism: liver

Excretion: feces & urine

Mechanism of Action

Antioxidant, putative hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, antiatherogenic & detoxifying activities

May also have steatorrhea-reducing activity in pts with cystic fibrosis & putative antidiabetic, inotropic & antiseizure activities