Because toxins can find their way into food, water, and the environment, the liver can be a very busy organ for companion animals. Hepagen-C is a distinctive formula that combines the beneficial liver herbs milk thistle and curcumin (from turmeric) with antioxidants and other important ingredients that support the liver's normal phase I and phase II detoxification processes.

Healthy liver function is necessary for activation of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). In cases where liver health may be diminished, the active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, may be indicated. Hepagen-C provides 5 mg of active vitamin B6 per capsule. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate acts as a cofactor for many enzyme reactions.

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production in every cell of the body. It is also utilized in amino acid digestion as well as carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Because much of the B12 consumed is stored in the liver, a properly functioning liver is essential for good B12 status.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a derivative of glycine, the simplest amino acid. It is a building block for many important substances, including methionine. Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid necessary for phase II detoxification. It helps metabolize fats and is a precursor to cysteine and taurine synthesis.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is composed of the amino acid cysteine and a sulfhydryl group, enabling it to interact with disulfide bonds. NAC serves as a precursor for the synthesis of glutathione. Reduced glutathione is essential for liver detoxification processes. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that enhances the antioxidant effects of vitamins C and E and glutathione. ALA induces a substantial increase in cellular reduced glutathione by enabling the key enzyme of glutathione synthesis, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase.

Silybum marianum (milk thistle) contains several flavonolignans collectively referred to as silymarin. The antioxidant activity of silymarin appears to stabilize hepatocyte membranes, neutralize free radicals, and maintain liver glutathione levels. Curcumin has been used traditionally as a hepatoprotectant and cholagogue in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Its beneficial effects may be due to the fact that curcumin is an antioxidant that helps maintain the animal's normal inflammatory response in the liver.The curcumin is bound to phosphatidylcholine for enhanced absorption. Phosphatidylcholine is the most significant phospholipid in hepatic cell membranes.