Glutathione

This lyophilized vial contains 1200mg of reduced L-Glutathione (GSH). Glutathione is a ubiquitous tripeptide consisting of the amino acids L-glutamate, L-cysteine, and glycine. It is recognized as the “master antioxidant” within cellular systems due to its ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), free radicals, and peroxides. In research settings, glutathione is extensively studied for…

Description

Research & Mechanisms

1. Antioxidant Defense and Cellular Protection Glutathione’s primary research application is its function as a direct antioxidant. The thiol group (-SH) on its cysteine residue acts as a reducing agent, donating electrons to neutralize harmful oxidizing agents, thus protecting cellular components like lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative stress.

2. Detoxification Pathways Researchers investigate glutathione’s role in Phase II detoxification. It is a substrate for glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes, which catalyze the conjugation of glutathione to various xenobiotics, heavy metals, and metabolic byproducts, increasing their water solubility for excretion.

3. Immune Function and Inflammation Modulations Studies explore how intracellular glutathione levels influence immune responses. It is vital for the proliferation of lymphocytes and has been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways by influencing the production of cytokines and reducing oxidative-stress-mediated inflammation.