Glutathione
Also known as GSH, Reduced glutathione, γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine
Glutathione is a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, and the most abundant low-molecular-weight thiol in cells. It is studied for its central roles in redox balance, detoxification of reactive compounds, and immune function.
Approved drug substance
Size
2 options- Catalog no.
- GTT600
- Specification
- 600mg *10 vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) is made in the cytosol in two ATP-dependent steps, by glutamate-cysteine ligase and glutathione synthetase. Cysteine supply usually limits the rate. It exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms, and the GSH/GSSG ratio is a common marker of cellular redox state. Lower glutathione has been reported with aging and in conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Reduced glutathione is registered as a medicine in some countries outside the US. Human research has examined whether supplementation raises body glutathione stores and whether it changes clinical measures in disease.
Class: Endogenous thiol tripeptide antioxidant
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Its cysteine thiol donates electrons to reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides through glutathione peroxidases, forming GSSG, which glutathione reductase recycles using NADPH.
Glutathione S-transferases attach GSH to electrophilic compounds and xenobiotics, which makes them easier to excrete.
Modifies protein cysteines through S-glutathionylation, a reversible change that can alter enzyme and signaling protein activity.
Helps keep other antioxidants, such as ascorbate and vitamin E, in their reduced, active forms.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2009
Review
PMID 18796312Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis.
Forman HJ, et al. · Mol Aspects Med
Reviewed glutathione's roles in protecting cells from oxidants and electrophiles, methods for measuring glutathione status, its biosynthesis and regulation, and proposed approaches for altering cellular glutathione content.
2015
RCT
PMID 24791752Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione.
Richie JP Jr, et al. · Eur J Nutr
In a 6-month placebo-controlled trial in 54 non-smoking adults, glutathione supplementation raised glutathione in blood, erythrocytes, plasma, lymphocytes, and buccal cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Levels returned to baseline after washout.
2009
Pilot RCT
PMID 19230029Randomized, double-blind, pilot evaluation of intravenous glutathione in Parkinson's disease.
Hauser RA, et al. · Mov Disord
In 21 people with Parkinson's disease, glutathione given for 4 weeks was well tolerated. UPDRS score changes did not differ significantly from placebo; the authors noted a possible mild symptomatic effect that needs a larger study.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Human trials are mostly small and short, such as the 21-person, 4-week Parkinson's pilot that found no significant difference from placebo. In a placebo-controlled study of 8 people with mild asthma, nebulized glutathione caused marked bronchoconstriction with cough and breathlessness. No studies have assessed long-term intravenous use, and the Philippine FDA has warned against intravenous glutathione for skin lightening because of reported adverse effects.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTT600 | Glutathione | 600mg *10 vials | 10 |
| GTT1500 | Glutathione | 1500mg *10 vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.