Physio-Pharmacological Potentials of Taurine: A Review in Animal and Human Studies

Taurine, a sulfur-containing non-protein amino acid is one of the most prevalent amino acids in all mammalian plasma and tissues. The objective is to identify the therapeutic role of taurine in animal models and human systemic physiology. Various electronic databases, including author, year of publication, country, purpose, data collection, significant findings and research focus/domain were used in search of published material referencing assessment of the physio-pharmacological potentials of taurine. Taurine protects against a wide range of pathophysiological conditions, including neurological abnormalities, mitochondrial malfunction, metabolic disease, reproductive failure and poor fetal development. Taurine was also reviewed to possess antioxidant, reno-protective, hemo-protective, hepato-protective and anti-inflammatory potentials as well as cardio-protective and anti-aging effects. Taurine, found in excitable tissues, protects systemic physiology against maladaptive responses. Further research is needed to determine if taurine insufficiency can monitor maladaptive responses. Although, clinical trials are also needed to determine optimal therapeutic doses.