What it is
Glutathione is a tripeptide (γ-Glu-Cys-Gly) and the principal intracellular antioxidant in human cells. It exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) forms, and the ratio between them is a standard marker of cellular oxidative stress.
Mechanism
GSH neutralises reactive oxygen species directly and as a cofactor of glutathione peroxidase, regenerates other antioxidants (vitamins C and E), and conjugates toxins for elimination via the liver (phase II detoxification). It also modulates melanin synthesis, which is the basis of its study in skin pigmentation.
Research areas
- Oxidative stress and antioxidant defence
- Hepatic detoxification
- Skin pigmentation
- Immune function
- Ageing and neurodegeneration models
Safety and metabolism
Endogenous compound with a long record of clinical use. Short plasma half-life; rapidly taken up or degraded.
