Overview

Liver extract is a product that comes from animal liver, most commonly from cattle. Liver extract is used to make medicine.

People take liver extract by mouth or by injection for various conditions, especially for liver health or as a source of iron and vitamin B12, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Liver extract contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. In animals, it seems to increase the number of liver cells. It is not known how liver extract might work for medicinal uses in people.

Liver extract contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. In animals, it seems to increase the number of liver cells. It is not known how liver extract might work for medicinal uses in people.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Swelling (inflammation) of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (hepatitis C). Early research suggests that injecting liver extract plus flavin adenine dinucleotide intravenously (by IV) or as a shot into the muscle might improve response to interferon-alpha or interferon-beta therapy in people with hepatitis C.
  • Improving liver function.
  • Preventing liver damage.
  • Treating liver diseases.
  • Treating allergies.
  • Improving muscle development.
  • Improving strength and physical endurance.
  • Removing chemicals from the body (detoxification).
  • Recovery from chemical addiction.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of liver extract for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough information to know if liver extract is safe. Since some preparations of liver extract come from animals, there is concern about possible contamination from diseased animals. However, so far there are no reports of diseases in humans that were caused by ingestion of contaminated liver.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough information to know if liver extract is safe. Since some preparations of liver extract come from animals, there is concern about possible contamination from diseased animals. However, so far there are no reports of diseases in humans that were caused by ingestion of contaminated liver. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if liver extract is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Too much iron in the body, including a condition called hemochromatosis: Liver extract contains iron and might make iron metabolism disorders worse. If you have one of these disorders, don't use liver extract.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for LIVER EXTRACT overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of liver extract depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for liver extract. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.