Activated Charcoal
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Activated Charcoal (Activated Carbon (Charcoal)) is a dietary supplement with 17 published peer-reviewed studies involving 115 participants, researched for Detoxification & Gastrointestinal, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Detoxification & Gastrointestinal
ModerateClinical trials
ModerateSystematic reviews
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Detoxification & Gastrointestinal
To review activated charcoal for preventing dietary toxin and drug absorption.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review activated charcoal for preventing dietary toxin and drug absorption.
Dose
Single dose 50-100g (acute) or 4-32g daily (chronic)
Participants
Multiple RCTs and clinical studies combined
Duration
Various
Results
Activated charcoal significantly reduces absorption of many drugs and toxins when given within 1-2 hours. Standard of care in acute poisoning scenarios in clinical toxicology.
How They Measured It
Drug/toxin absorption, blood toxin levels, clinical outcomes
To assess oral activated charcoal for reducing cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemia.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess oral activated charcoal for reducing cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemia.
Dose
Activated charcoal 8g three times daily
Participants
7 patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Activated charcoal reduced total cholesterol by 25% and LDL by 41%. HDL increased 8%. Mechanism involves bile acid binding and reduced cholesterol enterohepatic circulation.
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides
To evaluate activated charcoal for reducing uremic toxins in CKD patients.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate activated charcoal for reducing uremic toxins in CKD patients.
Dose
Activated charcoal 6g three times daily
Participants
40 pre-dialysis CKD patients
Duration
6 months
Results
Significant reduction in serum p-cresol and indoxyl sulfate (gut-derived uremic toxins). Slowed progression to dialysis. GI side effects were primary concern.
How They Measured It
Serum p-cresol, indoxyl sulfate, creatinine, GFR
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in dental aesthetic perception of patients submitted to activated charcoal-based bleaching agents: a randomized clinical trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in dental aesthetic perception of patients submitted to activated charcoal-based bleaching agents: a randomized clinical trial.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
To evaluate the effects of activated charcoal-based products used in two presentation forms (powder or toothpaste), compared to 10 % carbamide peroxide and conventional toothpaste on aesthetic perception and psychosocial impact before and after treatment.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in a randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal motility, nutritional status,
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in a randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal motility, nutritional status,
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
cutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) is a technique that involves stimulating specific acupoints on the body with electrical currents. It may regulate nerve excitability and improve nerve function. This study aimed to assess the impact of TEAS on gastrointestinal motility, nutrition, and immune function in patients post cerebrovascular accident surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in evaluating the pharmacokinetics of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide delivered via pressurised metered-dose inhale
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in evaluating the pharmacokinetics of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide delivered via pressurised metered-dose inhale
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
on of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide (BDP/FF/GB) is available for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via pMDI using HFA-134a as propellant. This is being reformulated using the low global warming potential propellant HFA-152a. This manuscript reports three studies comparing BDP/FF/GB pharmacokinetics delivered via pMDI using HFA-152a vs HFA-134a.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effect of nigella sativa on general health and immune system in young healthy volunteers; a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical tr
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effect of nigella sativa on general health and immune system in young healthy volunteers; a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical tr
Dose
1 g
Participants
48 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
1424±114.51 (p=0.009), and CD4+ from 665.6±141.66 to 841±143.36 (p=0.002). This elevation in T cells was lost by increasing the dose of N. sativa to 2g. The rest of the parameters were not changed significantly in all doses. The results show a promising immunopotentiation effect of N. sativa by elevating helper T cells and the optimum dose for young age group seems to be 1 g.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effect of activated charcoal on mavacamten pharmacokinetics in healthy participants.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effect of activated charcoal on mavacamten pharmacokinetics in healthy participants.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
To assess the effect of activated charcoal on the single-dose pharmacokinetics of mavacamten when administered 2 h or 6 h after mavacamten dosing.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial of a shorter acetylcysteine regimen for paracetamol overdose - the sarpo trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial of a shorter acetylcysteine regimen for paracetamol overdose - the sarpo trial.
Dose
300 mg
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Paracetamol is a commonly overdosed medication worldwide. Early acetylcysteine treatment can prevent hepatotoxicity. Multiple intravenous acetylcysteine regimens exist; the commonest recommending 300 mg/kg over 20 h. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of a shorter regimen in paracetamol overdoses ≤30 g.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effects of ferric carboxymaltose on pica among pregnant women in malawi: a substudy to a randomized controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effects of ferric carboxymaltose on pica among pregnant women in malawi: a substudy to a randomized controlled trial.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Pica is the craving and consumption of nonfood items, and includes the ingestion of earth, raw starch, and ice. Pica is common in sub-Saharan Africa, especially during pregnancy. Despite being ubiquitous, its etiology is not well understood.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in whitening efficacy of activated charcoal-based products: a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in whitening efficacy of activated charcoal-based products: a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the whitening efficacy, tooth sensitivity (TS), and volunteers' satisfaction following the use of activated charcoal powder and toothpaste.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effects of increased blood flow rate and oral activated charcoal on the severity of uremic pruritus: a randomized crossover clinical trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effects of increased blood flow rate and oral activated charcoal on the severity of uremic pruritus: a randomized crossover clinical trial.
Dose
6 g
Participants
20 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
re. The results showed that the mean severity, highest pruritus score, and lowest pruritus score decreased after all three interventions, but the highest decrease was related to the third intervention. Considering the results of this study, simultaneous use of increased pumping speed and oral administration of a charcoal suspension is recommended to reduce uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in activated carbon cloth versus silver-based dressings in a population with diabetic foot ulcer: a randomised controlled trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in activated carbon cloth versus silver-based dressings in a population with diabetic foot ulcer: a randomised controlled trial.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Activated carbon cloth (ACC), known as Zorflex dressing, has emerged as an innovative approach in managing bacterial infection in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment. This pilot study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of Zorflex ACC dressing (Chemviron Carbon Cloth Division, UK) compared to standard silver-based dressing on DFUs.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in estimated health effects from domestic use of gaseous fuels for cooking and heating in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a systema
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in estimated health effects from domestic use of gaseous fuels for cooking and heating in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a systema
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
(solid fuel and kerosene) represents a substantial global public health burden and there is an urgent need for rapid transition to clean domestic fuels. Gas for cooking and heating might possibly affect child asthma, wheezing, and respiratory health. The aim of this review was to synthesise the evidence on the health effects of gaseous fuels to inform policies for scalable clean household energy.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in assessing health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) in cooked fish using monte carlo simulation: a global review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in assessing health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) in cooked fish using monte carlo simulation: a global review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
009;Flu (4.97E - 12 ) > Nap (4.39E - 12 ) > Acy (2.57E - 12 )) from fish consumption were negligible and can be disregarded (LTCR < 10 - 6 ). Based on the analysis of the findings, it can be concluded that the consumption of cooked fish using various methods worldwide does not present a carcinogenic risk linked to PAHs.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effectiveness of biochar as an adsorbent for pesticides: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in effectiveness of biochar as an adsorbent for pesticides: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
to 88%, which is represented by the meta-analysis diamond that is the final result of the statistical analysis. Biochar is effective in removing impurities, even including features such as low cost. There is a considerable lack of studies on the topic of pesticide adsorption with the use of biochar. The studies approach a very heterogeneous perspective on the subject, exposing different contexts.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in unveiling urinary mutagenicity by the ames test for occupational risk assessment: a systematic review.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Activated Charcoal in unveiling urinary mutagenicity by the ames test for occupational risk assessment: a systematic review.
Dose
Activated Charcoal (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ral strains is highly recommended since individual and/or synergistic effects of complex exposure to xenobiotics can be overlooked. Future studies should improve the methods used to reach a standardized protocol for specific occupational environments to strengthen the applicability of the urinary mutagenicity assay and reduce inter- and intra-individual variability and exposure source confounders.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Activated Charcoal research
There are currently 17 peer-reviewed studies on Activated Charcoal (Activated Carbon (Charcoal)), involving 115 total participants. Research covers Detoxification & Gastrointestinal, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (12 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Activated Charcoal has been researched for: Detoxification & Gastrointestinal, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 12 out of 17 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
