S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring agent in the human body, produced largely by the liver. It is also manufactured synthetically as a supplement. (See also Overview of Dietary Supplements.)
Medicinal claims
SAMe is said to be effective in treating depression, osteoarthritis, gallbladder, and liver disorders, but scientific studies so far do not clearly confirm these claims. More research is needed to verify its effectiveness for depression, but it may help people who have osteoarthritis function better. Better studies are needed to evaluate whether SAMe helps people with liver disorders.
Possible side effects
Possible drug interactions
More Information
The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Information on research regarding the use of SAMe for depression, osteoarthritis, and liver diseases
