Bile Acid Derivative
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid
Also known as: TUDCA
A bile acid derivative that supports cellular health, mitochondrial function, and neuroprotection.
KÖGN Health grades Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid as B+ (Moderate evidence) and rates it 4.1 out of 5.
Last reviewed · June 2026
Primary effects
- Neuroprotection
- Improved cellular resilience
- Reduced stress
How it works
Reduces cellular stress and supports mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum function.
Overview
TUDCA is primarily studied for its role in liver and cellular health, but emerging research suggests it may also support brain health through its neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties. It helps reduce cellular stress and may improve mitochondrial efficiency, which is important for long-term cognitive resilience. Human research in cognition is still limited but promising.
The evidence
TUDCA is a bile acid that reduces cellular (endoplasmic-reticulum) stress and apoptosis. Its neuroscience interest is real but early: it protects neurons in animal models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's, and a clinical trial in ALS suggested slower progression. There are no good trials of TUDCA for cognition in healthy people, so its nootropic use is extrapolated from disease and lab research.
How to dose it
Neurological studies have used roughly 1,000–2,000 mg/day; general supplement doses are often lower. Taken with food.
When to take it
Chronic.
Safety & side effects
Generally well tolerated; the most common effect is mild GI upset or loose stools.
Who should avoid it
Speak to a clinician before use if you have gallbladder or bile-duct disease, or take other bile-acid medicines. Safety in pregnancy is not established, and human cognition data are limited — keep expectations modest.
References
Related ingredients
Graded entries that target the same cognitive goals.
Categories
Draft — the dose, safety and evidence notes on this entry were prepared from the published literature and are pending editorial and clinical review.
Educational information, not medical advice. The evidence grade is KÖGN’s editorial assessment of published research, not a health claim. Speak to a qualified clinician before changing what you take.