Glutathione
Master antioxidant tripeptide
Glutathione (Glu-Cys-Gly) is the principal intracellular antioxidant in human tissue. It is studied for oxidative-stress regulation, hepatic detoxification pathways, and melanin synthesis. Supplied lyophilized, one 600mg vial.
About Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide — glutamate, cysteine and glycine — with an unusual γ-peptide bond between the glutamate side chain and cysteine that makes it resistant to ordinary peptidases. It is synthesised in every cell and is the most abundant non-protein thiol in the body, present at millimolar concentrations in the liver.
Its reduced form (GSH) is the cell's principal antioxidant buffer, and the ratio of GSH to its oxidised dimer (GSSG) is a standard laboratory measure of oxidative stress. Glutathione is used in research on redox signalling, detoxification, mitochondrial function and ageing. The injectable pharmaceutical form is used in some countries for specific indications, but no glutathione injection is authorised in Canada.
Mechanism
The cysteine thiol group donates electrons to neutralise reactive oxygen species and to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Glutathione peroxidases use it to reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides, glutathione S-transferases attach it to electrophilic toxins for excretion, and reversible S-glutathionylation of protein cysteines acts as a redox switch on enzyme activity.
Areas of research
- Primary intracellular thiol antioxidant; regenerates vitamins C and E
- Studied for hepatoprotective effects and phase II detoxification
- Investigated for skin-brightening via tyrosinase inhibition
- Oxidises readily in solution — reconstitute immediately before use
References
- Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1-2):1-12. PubMed
- Lu SC. Glutathione synthesis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013;1830(5):3143-3153. PubMed
Research use only. Information on this page is provided for educational and research purposes and summarises published literature, mostly from cell and animal studies; it is not a claim of efficacy or safety. Products are not intended for human or veterinary use, or for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.
Molecular details
- Class
- Tripeptide thiol antioxidant
- Sequence
- γ-Glu-Cys-Gly
- Length
- 3 amino acids (γ-linked)
- Molecular formula
- C10H17N3O6S
- Molecular weight
- 307.3 g/mol
- CAS number
- 70-18-8
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, 600 mg per vial
Storage
Lyophilized: store cool, dark and dry — refrigeration is ideal. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water immediately before use. Oxidises in solution.
Handling
Highly water-soluble; a 600 mg vial dissolves in 3–6 mL of bacteriostatic water (200–100 mg/mL). Reduced glutathione oxidises to GSSG in solution, faster with heat, light and dissolved oxygen, so reconstitute only what is needed, keep solution cold and dark, and use promptly. Store the lyophilized vial at 2–8 °C.
Details
Glutathione · 600mg
Skin & Antioxidant
Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
