Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid with a variety of physiological functions that may benefit those with chronic HCV infection.

Cysteine is required for phase II cytochrome P450 enzyme detoxification in the liver.
Cysteine is an important element for Phase I and Phase II detoxification systems in the liver and intestinal tract.
Cysteine helps conjugate or convert fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble forms that can be eliminated from the body by the kidneys.
Cysteine is also a direct precursor to the formation of glutathione. Glutathione is a tripeptide comprised of the amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid and is one of the body’s most important immune regulating substances.
Cysteine has also been demonstrated to possess direct antiviral effects.

A particularly well absorbed form of cysteine known as N-acetyl-cysteine or NAC has been shown to stop spontaneous and bacteria-induced mutations, prevent the formation of carcinogens (cancer causing substances) and suppress or delay tumor development.

NAC is an antioxidant that quenches hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen free radicals that would otherwise damage cells, tissues and organs.

NAC protects the liver's detoxification pathways by preventing the rapid depletion of glutathione when exposed to toxic agents and viral diseases.

NAC is also a chelator of metals such as mercury, copper, iron and lead.
These and other metals could damage liver cells and furthering the progression of HCV.

Supplementation

The best form of cysteine is N-acetyl-cysteine in a dose of 250-600 mg/day.
Cysteine may also be generated in the body by supplementing vitamin C (assuming there is adequate dietary protein intake).
Cysteine is best taken along with silybum marianum (an herb also called Milk Thistle), vitamin E and ascorbic acid since these nutrients spare the glutathione peroxidase enzyme important for the detoxification process. Intravenously administered cysteine is probably the best overall form given in combination with glycine, glycerrhetic acid, and other synergistic nutrients.
Numerous studies demonstrate that cysteine used intravenously along with the amino acid glycine and glycerretic acid (from licorice) can reduce and even eradicate HCV viral loads.
For more information regarding intravenous infusions of cysteine consult chapter 15 on intravenous therapies.

http://www.hopeforhepatitisc.com/HealthyLiving/HepC/Part-8.pdf

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