A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine



Mokhtari V^{1, 2, 3} ; Afsharian P² ; Shahhoseini M² ; Kalantar SM¹ ; Moini A^{3, 4}
Source: Cell Journal Published:2017

Abstract

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), as a nutritional supplement, is a greatly applied antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. NAC is a precursor of L-cysteine that results in glutathione elevation biosynthesis. It acts directly as a scavenger of free radicals, especially oxygen radicals. NAC is a powerful antioxidant. It is also recommended as a potential treatment option for different disorders resulted from generation of free oxygen radicals. Additionally, it is a protected and endured mucolytic drug that mellows tenacious mucous discharges. It has been used for treatment of various diseases in a direct action or in a combination with some other medications. This paper presents a review on various applications of NAC in treatment of several diseases.