From traditional Chinese medicine to molecular oncology - pleiotropic effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a naturally occurring hydrophilic bile acid in the human body. Its therapeutic effects have been recognized in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times and continue to be used in contemporary Western medicine. TUDCA is classified as a secondary bile acid and is formed by conjugating ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) with taurine. Due to its hepatoprotective properties and ability to promote bile production and flow, UDCA has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. TUDCA was originally used in the treatment of liver disease, but according to recent findings of current research, TUDCA has therapeutic potential beyond the hepatobiliary area.

In this paper, we aim to summarize the latest findings on the therapeutic potential of TUDCA in a broader clinical context. New findings show that TUDCA finds use not only in the treatment of hepatic disorders, but also in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal dysfunctions and glucose metabolism disorders. Due to its multifunctional effects, TUDCA appears to be a promising substance with the potential to become an important part of modern medicine in the treatment of diverse pathological conditions.