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Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
OsteoarthritisSAMe has been studied extensively in the treatment of osteoarthritis. SAMe reduces the pain associated with osteoarthritis and is well tolerated in this patient population. Although an optimal dose has yet to be determined, SAMe appears as effective as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Additional study is warranted to confirm these findings. | B |
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Preliminary evidence from an open trial suggests that SAMe may be of benefit for adults with ADHD. More study is needed in this area. | C |
Cholestasis (pregnancy)Curently, there is insufficient available evidence to recommend for or against the use of SAMe for cholestasis (build up of bile in the liver) in pregnant women. It is important to note that there is no information on the use of SAMe prior to the third trimester. | C |
Cholestasis (non-pregnant)SAMe may be beneficial for pruritus (severe itching) and serum bilirubin levels associated with cholestasis associated with non-pregnancy. However, additional study is needed. | C |
DepressionSAMe has been studied for use in depression for many decades, however, currently available trials are inconclusive. | C |
FibromyalgiaSince fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and depressive symptoms, there is an increased interest in studying SAMe for this indication. Current available evidence, however, does not appear to show any benefit of SAMe over placebo in reducing the number of tender points and in alleviating depression. Additional study is needed to confirm these findings. | C |
Liver disease (general)Preliminary evidence suggests that SAMe may normalize levels of liver enzymes in individuals with liver disease. Additional study is needed in this area. | C |
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Acetaminophen metabolism (hepatic cirrhosis), adjustment disorder, aging, alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, bilirubin and polyphyrin metabolism disorders, bursitis, cirrhosis (primary biliary), dementia, bipolar disorder, drug/toxin induced hepatotoxicity (liver damage), gastritis (hemorrhagic), Gilbert's syndrome, heart disease, hepatitis, high cholesterol, infertility, intrahepatic cholestasis (oral-contraceptive-induced), intrahepatic cholestasis (total parenteral nutrition-induced), ischemic stroke, lead toxicity, male sterility, migraine, multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis, myelopathy (spinal cord injury), Parkinson's disease, post-concussive syndrome, postpartum depression, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, psychiatric illness, rheumatoid arthritis, seizures, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, tendonitis.
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