Background/objectives: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.
Keywords: S-adenosylmethionine; SAMe; liver; nutraceutical.