Glutathione 1,500mg

Compound Name: Glutathione

Synonyms: GSH, L-Glutathione, gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine

CAS Number: 70-18-8

Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S

Molecular Weight: ~307.33 g/mol

Structure: Tripeptide

Peptide Sequence: H-gGlu-Cys-Gly-OH

Chemical Structure:

Source: PubChem

Mechanism of Action: Glutathione functions as a critical cofactor for various enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferases, and acts as a primary electron donor to neutralize reactive oxygen species. It directly quenches free radicals and participates in phase II detoxification by conjugating with xenobiotics, rendering them water-soluble for excretion. Furthermore, it modulates cellular processes including immune response, proliferation, and apoptosis, and helps maintain the reduced state of other antioxidants^1-4.

Biological Activity: Glutathione exhibits potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body⁴. It is a vital detoxifying agent, particularly in the liver, where it binds to toxins, pollutants, and carcinogens^2,3. Its roles in immune function include enhancing T-cell activity and protecting immune cells from oxidative damage. It has also been shown to inhibit melanogenesis by suppressing the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme, leading to skin-lightening effects³.

Storage: Store at 2-8°C. For long-term storage, keep at -20°C. Protect from light and moisture.

Drug Categories: Antioxidants, Detoxifying Agents, Antidotes, Dermatological Agents.

Additional Notes:

Glutathione exists in both reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) states. The ratio of GSH to GSSG is a key indicator of cellular oxidative stress.

Summary Table:

Disclaimer: For Research Use Only. Not intended for human or veterinary use. This compound is supplied solely for laboratory and R&D purposes.

Detailed Product Description

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of the amino acids glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, and it stands as the most abundant and important low-molecular-weight antioxidant synthesized within the human body. Often referred to as the “master antioxidant”, Glutathione is central to maintaining cellular redox balance, protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids from the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals¹. Its unique chemical structure, featuring a reactive thiol group from its cysteine residue, allows it to directly neutralize electrophilic compounds and serve as an electron donor in a wide array of enzymatic reactions.

Beyond its direct antioxidant role, Glutathione is a cornerstone of the body’s detoxification system. It is highly concentrated in the liver, where glutathione S-transferase enzymes catalyze its conjugation to xenobiotics, drugs, and carcinogens, transforming them into harmless, water-soluble compounds that can be easily excreted from the body². This function is critical for mitigating the toxic load from environmental pollutants and metabolic byproducts. Furthermore, Glutathione is indispensable for a healthy immune system, promoting lymphocyte proliferation and protecting immune cells from the oxidative stress generated during an inflammatory response, thereby ensuring a balanced and effective defense against pathogens³.

Research Highlights

• Neuroprotection: Studies indicate that maintaining adequate glutathione levels is crucial for protecting neurons from oxidative damage associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease^2,3.
• Anti-Aging properties: As a key regulator of cellular health and oxidative stress, Glutathione is heavily researched for its potential to mitigate the cellular damage that underlies the aging process².
• Dermatology and Hyperpigmentation: Research has demonstrated Glutathione’s ability to inhibit tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin production. This has led to its investigation and use as a systemic skin-lightening agent to address hyperpigmentation and promote an even skin tone¹.

• Metabolic Health: Glutathione plays a role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Glutathione deficiency has been linked to increased oxidative stress in conditions like type 2 diabetes¹.

Mechanism of Action

Direct Antioxidant and Redox Regulation

• Free Radical Scavenging: The thiol group (-SH) of the cysteine residue in Glutathione directly donates a hydrogen atom (electron) to unstable reactive oxygen species (e.g., hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion), effectively neutralizing them and preventing cellular damage¹. In the process, Glutathione becomes oxidized (GSSG).
• Redox Homeostasis: The enzyme glutathione reductase continuously recycles oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back to its active, reduced form (GSH) using NADPH as an electron donor. The GSH/GSSG ratio is a primary indicator of the cell’s redox state and overall health⁴.
• Regeneration of Vitamins C and E: Glutathione is essential for regenerating other key antioxidants. It reduces dehydroascorbate back to ascorbate (Vitamin C) and reduces the tocopheryl radical back to tocopherol (Vitamin E), allowing them to continue their antioxidant functions¹.

Enzymatic Detoxification

• Cofactor for Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx): Glutathione serves as the primary substrate for the GPx family of enzymes, which catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides to harmless water and alcohols, respectively. This is a major pathway for neutralizing damaging peroxides¹.
• Substrate for Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs): In Phase II detoxification, GST enzymes catalyze the conjugation of the thiol group of Glutathione to a vast range of electrophilic xenobiotics, including drugs, environmental toxins, and carcinogens. This reaction increases their water solubility and facilitates their elimination from the body via urine or bile².

Modulation of Immune Function and Melanogenesis

• Immune System Support: Glutathione is critical for the proliferation and activation of lymphocytes (T-cells) and protects immune cells from the high levels of oxidative stress they generate to fight pathogens. It thereby supports both innate and adaptive immunity³.
• Inhibition of Tyrosinase: Glutathione can interfere with melanin synthesis by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, quenching free radicals that activate tyrosinase, and skewing melanogenesis from the darker eumelanin to the lighter pheomelanin pathway³.

Pharmacokinetic Profile:

• Route of Administration: Oral, intravenous, topical, intranasal.
• Dosing Frequency: Varies by application and formulation; oral supplementation is often daily.
• Half-Life: The plasma half-life of intravenous glutathione is short, approximately 10 minutes.
• Formulation: Oral capsules, lyophilized powder for injection, and topical creams.

Formulation & Handling

• Reconstitute with sterile water or buffer as required.
• Solutions should be prepared fresh and protected from light.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in a well-ventilated area.

Selected Clinical Trial Activity

References

¹Robillard, J. M., Gordon, G. R., Choi, H. B., Christie, B. R. & MacVicar, B. A. Glutathione restores the mechanism of synaptic plasticity in aged mice to that of the adult. PLoS ONE 6, e20676 (2011).

²Sastre, J., Pallardó, F. V. & Viña, J. Glutathione, oxidative stress and aging. Age 19, 129–139 (1996).

³Villarama, C. D. & Maibach, H. I. Glutathione as a depigmenting agent: an overview. Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 27, 147–153 (2005).

⁴Galano, A. & Alvarez-Idaboy, J. R. Glutathione: mechanism and kinetics of its non-enzymatic defense action against free radicals. RSC Adv. 1, 1763–1771 (2011).