The Deep History of TUDCA

The Deep History of TUDCA

In the ever-evolving world of health and wellness, some of the most powerful compounds have surprisingly ancient origins. TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) is one such compound — a bile acid once extracted from bear bile in traditional Eastern medicine and now gaining momentum in modern science for its impressive liver-protective, neuroprotective, and metabolic benefits.

But TUDCA is more than just a supplement trend. Its journey spans thousands of years, crossing from ancient Chinese herbal texts to cutting-edge research labs studying neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the historical evolution of TUDCA — from its mystical beginnings to its modern medical marvel status.

Ancient Beginnings

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Origins

The earliest known use of TUDCA can be traced back over 3,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Source

TUDCA is derived from bear bile, particularly from the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), which contains high levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and its taurine conjugate, TUDCA.

TCM Applications

Bear bile was used to treat

Liver diseases

Fever

Convulsions

“Heat” syndromes (linked to inflammation or toxicity)

Ethical Issues

The use of bear bile has led to animal welfare concerns, particularly in the 20th century, due to bear farming practices.

Western Discovery and Isolation (20th Century)

Isolation of UDCA

 In 1902, Japanese scientist Hamao Umetaro first isolated UDCA from bear bile.

Synthesis of TUDCA

Later, researchers discovered that when UDCA is conjugated with taurine (an amino acid), it forms TUDCA – a more water-soluble, potent, and bioavailable bile acid.

1950s–70s

European and Japanese scientists began using UDCA and TUDCA to treat cholestatic liver diseases, like:

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)

Gallstones

Hepatic cirrhosis

Expansion into Clinical Use

1980s–90s

 Clinical trials in Europe validated the hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects of TUDCA and UDCA.

Key Mechanisms Identified

Reduces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress

Stabilizes mitochondria

Prevents apoptosis (cell death)

Improves bile flow and reduces the toxicity of bile salts.

FDA Approval

UDCA (not TUDCA) was approved by the U.S. FDA in the 1990s for PBC treatment, but TUDCA remains available as a supplement in many countries.

Modern Research & New Applications

Neuroprotection

Studies show that TUDCA may protect neurons and is being explored for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, and ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Eye Health

Shows promise in retinal degeneration and glaucoma protection.

Metabolic Health

TUDCA helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation – studied for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Gut & Microbiome

New evidence links TUDCA to improved gut barrier function and microbial diversity.

Bodybuilding and Liver Support

Widely used in the fitness community for protecting the liver during oral steroid use (especially with hepatotoxic compounds like Superdrol or Anavar).

TUDCA and Ethical Shift

Ethical Advancement: With the rise of synthetic TUDCA, the need for bear bile has drastically reduced, helping curb animal cruelty.

Supplement Industry Boom

TUDCA is now produced in pharmaceutical-grade labs.

Available over-the-counter in many countries as a liver detox or neuroprotective supplement.

Main Points Summary

✅ Ancient Use: Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 3,000 years.

✅ Scientific Discovery: Isolated and studied in the 20th century.

✅ Clinical Benefits: Effective for liver diseases, neurodegeneration, and metabolic syndrome.

✅ Modern Use: Popular as a supplement in bodybuilding, longevity, and brain health.

✅ Ethical Manufacturing: Now produced synthetically, reducing reliance on animal sources.

TUDCA’s story is a fascinating blend of ancient wisdom and modern science. What began as a traditional remedy derived from bear bile has now transformed into a pharmaceutical-grade supplement with a wide array of applications — from protecting the liver during steroid cycles to supporting brain health in degenerative diseases.

As research continues to unlock more of TUDCA’s potential, it stands as a testament to how traditional medicine and modern innovation can intersect. Whether you're interested in longevity, liver protection, or neurological health, TUDCA has proven it’s far more than just a relic of the past — it's a molecule for the future.