Protocol · Liver & Detoxification
Acute Viral Hepatitis Recovery Support Protocol
Milk Thistle (Silymarin) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Acute Viral Hepatitis Recovery Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Milk Thistle (Silymarin) | Amount listed: 420–600 mg silymarin daily in divided doses | Hepatoprotective; stabilizes liver cell membranes, promotes regeneration, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects | Not graded yet | ||
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg twice daily | Glutathione precursor that supports liver detoxification and protects against oxidative damage | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) | Amount listed: 400–600 mg extract daily | Ayurvedic herb with hepatoprotective properties; may help reduce liver inflammation
| Grade C for Liver Enzymes1 study · 33 people | ||
| Schisandra | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg extract daily | Adaptogenic herb that may protect liver cells and support regeneration | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400–800 IU daily (mixed tocopherols) | Antioxidant that protects liver cells from oxidative damage during inflammation | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Antioxidant support for immune function and liver protection | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports immune function and liver metabolism; often depleted in liver disease | Not graded yet | ||
| B Vitamins | Amount listed: B-complex daily (avoid high doses of B3/niacin) | Support liver metabolism and energy production during recovery | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Acute Viral Hepatitis. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade C
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Acute viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, or E). Hepatitis A and E typically cause self-limited illness, while hepatitis B and C can become chronic. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). Most cases of acute viral hepatitis resolve on their own with supportive care, but liver function should be monitored.
CRITICAL: Acute viral hepatitis requires medical diagnosis and monitoring. The type of hepatitis virus determines management - hepatitis B may need antiviral treatment to prevent chronicity, and hepatitis C now has highly effective antiviral cures. Liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and coagulation should be monitored. Severe hepatitis (coagulopathy, encephalopathy) requires hospitalization. Avoid alcohol completely during recovery. These supplements support liver health but don't treat the viral infection itself.
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)* is the most studied hepatoprotective herb. It stabilizes liver cell membranes, acts as an antioxidant, promotes liver cell regeneration, and has anti-inflammatory effects. It's been used for centuries for liver conditions.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)* is a precursor to glutathione, the liver's primary antioxidant. It supports the liver's detoxification capacity and protects against oxidative damage during inflammation.
Kutki* is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for liver disorders. It has hepatoprotective properties and may help reduce liver inflammation.
Schisandra* is an adaptogenic berry used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for liver support. It may help protect liver cells and support regeneration.
Vitamin E* protects liver cells from oxidative damage, which is increased during active hepatitis.
Vitamin C* provides additional antioxidant support and supports immune function.
Zinc* is often depleted in liver disease and supports immune function and liver metabolism.
B Vitamins* support liver metabolism and energy production. The liver needs B vitamins for numerous metabolic functions.
Expected timeline: Acute hepatitis A and E typically resolve in 2-6 weeks. Hepatitis B acute phase lasts weeks to months - 95% of adults clear the virus. These supplements support recovery but don't accelerate viral clearance. Liver enzymes should normalize within 1-4 months of symptom onset.