S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for Liver Health: A Systematic Review

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a natural compound implicated in the treatment of liver dysfunction. In this systematic review, our objective was to determine the efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of SAMe in liver diseases.

Using the PRISMA methodology, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science using key MeSH search terms. For title/abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction, two independent researchers reviewed articles, and a third researcher resolved conflicts. Data extraction also included a quality assessment of included articles.

Of the 1881 non-duplicated studies, 15 articles focusing on SAMe use in the liver were included. All included studies (n = 15) scored a 4 or 5 out of 5 points on the quality assessment, which indicated high study quality. Overall, SAMe was effective in improving liver-related parameters with few adverse events, which were primarily mild, transient gastrointestinal complaints.

The most common doses were SAMe 1000 mg or 1200 mg per day with or without another treatment or natural supplement. Future studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety data of SAMe and the optimal route of administration in liver diseases.