L-Glutathione is a short peptide composed of just cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It occurs naturally throughout the body and acts primarily as an antioxidant and as a supportive agent to a number of processes in the central nervous system. Glutathione is especially important in the detoxification processes of the liver and as a free-radical scavenger in the brain. There is ample evidence to suggest that loss of glutathione can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease as well as diseases of the eye like cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Reduced glutathione levels are thought to be both a consequence of aging as well as a contributor to the aging process. Chronic disease also reduces glutathione levels. Oral glutathione supplementation appears to be ineffective due to the breakdown of the peptide in the gastrointestinal system. Though much is made of oral supplementation with glutathione precursors like N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), research shows that glutathione levels tend to decrease with age due to a loss of production capacity (usually starting around middle age). This loss of production capacity, of course, limits the effectiveness of NAC and other precursors to generate glutathione. The best evidence indicates that glutathione is most effective when injected or inhaled via nasal preparations.

Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S Molecular Weight: 307.33 g/mol PubChem CID: 124886 CAS No: 170-18-8 Alternative Names: Glutathione, Isethion, GSH Source: PubChem

L-Glutathione has long been recognized as one of the most important low-molecular weight antioxidants synthesized by cells of the body. By virtue of the sulfur contained in the cysteine component of GSH, it is able to remove potent free radicals, such as peroxides, nitrogen dioxide, HOCl, and a multitude of other toxins, from the body. It does this through a basic redox reaction, thus protecting cells, DNA, and extracellular matrix components from the damage done by free radicals. Glutathione not only neutralizes free radicals directly, but assists other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, in their roles as antioxidants[1]. Glutathione is found both inside cells and as a secreted substance in the extracellular matrix. It is found in very high levels in lung tissue, the brain, and the liver. It is synthesized in humans via a simple redox reaction as follows. Source: PubMed Glutathione rất quan trọng trong cơ thể con người đến nỗi sự thiếu hụt có liên quan đến một loạt các bệnh như bệnh tiểu đường, HIV, ung thư và thậm chí là bệnh lao. Nghiên cứu cho thấy mức độ glutathione có thể là một dấu hiệu quan trọng về mức độ nghiêm trọng và tiến triển của bệnh. Đo lường glutathione có thể cung cấp cho các bác sĩ lâm sàng một phương tiện định lượng hơn để đánh giá tiên lượng và giúp xác định hiệu quả và thời gian của các can thiệp khác nhau [2]. Mặc dù hiểu được vai trò của glutathione trong lão hóa và bệnh tật, không có phương tiện định kỳ nào để đo lường và đánh giá mức độ glutathione đã được thiết lập. Các nhà nghiên cứu hiện đang xem xét cách đo peptide đơn giản này có thể cung cấp cái nhìn sâu sắc quan trọng về mọi thứ, từ sức khỏe tổng thể đến hiệu quả của các phương pháp điều trị cụ thể trong bệnh. Trong tương lai gần, việc đo nồng độ glutathione có thể là phổ biến và hữu ích như đo lường những thứ như huyết áp, cholesterol và lượng đường trong máu.

Vai trò sinh học của L-Glutathione

While glutathione is best known for its antioxidant functions, the peptide does play other roles in the human body. It is an important, indeed required, molecule in the production of leukotrienes (inflammatory mediators) and prostaglandins. This makes it a potent regulator of certain immune responses as well as the inflammatory cascade. It is also a cofactor in a number of biochemical reactions and enhances the function of citrulline in the nitric oxide cycle. In other words, glutathione is an essential component of cellular metabolism and particularly important in regulating blood pressure and cardiac health. Glutathione is also critical to proper protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Research shows that glutathione helps proteins to fold into the correct 3D shape to bind to receptors and function normally. It is particularly important in the formation of disulfide bonds.  Though it is not the only mechanism that cells harbor to promote proper protein folding, glutathione is an important aspect of this cellular function and thus contributes heavily to the proper functioning of cells[3], [4]. There is currently some debate as to whether glutathione acts a neurotransmitter. It certainly modulates the redox states of things like the NMDA receptor (a function that would make it a neuromodulator). It also appears to activate ionotropic receptors as well as the purinergic P2X7 receptor on Muller cells. Muller cells are found in the retina where they maintain the structure and function of retinal cells. This includes the regulation of neurotransmitter levels. This, again, suggests that even if glutathione is not a neurotransmitter, it plays an important role in the regulation of neurotransmitters[5]. The world’s foremost expert on glutathione is Dr. Nayan Patel. In 2020 he wrote a book entitled Cuộc cách mạng glutathione in which he discusses the benefits and safety of glutathione supplementation. He likens oxidation in the body to rust, an apt analogy if ever there was one. Glutathione is the body’s main rust preventative, warding off all of the negative consequences of oxidation in the body in the same way that proper care of your car wards off rust and the detrimental effects it has on everything. According to Dr. Patel, glutathione levels drop by about 20% after age 40, setting us up for poor performance, increased risk of disease, and accelerated aging. The only way to overcome this deficit is through supplementation.

Một lưu ý về quản trị glutathione

Research shows that glutathione is not well absorbed from dietary sources or as a result of oral intake. It is thought that enzymes in the GI tract may break it apart before it can be absorbed. There is some evidence to suggest that curcumin, N-acetyl cysteine, and certain components of foods like broccoli and spinach may help to boost glutathione levels by providing more precursors for its synthesis or by directly upregulating the process of synthesis itself. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence to support the above options as being the optimal way to increase glutathione. While they do increase glutathione levels to some extent, the magnitude of their effect appears to be limited primarily because they cannot overcome the decrease in GSH levels that results from the loss of synthetic capacity. Research suggests that the only reliable way to significantly alter glutathione levels is to inject the peptide or to inhale it. Dr. Nayan Patel has developed a transdermal delivery system for glutathione, but it is not yet widely used.

L-glutathione và lão hóa

Oxidative damage to cells is one of the leading components of both the visual signs of aging as well as aging processes like senescence (cellular/tissue aging), hormonal aging, metabolic aging, and DNA damage that led to both disease and dysfunction. Given the importance of glutathione in fighting against oxidative damage, it should come as no surprise that the peptide is critical to reducing the effects of aging. Of course, glutathione itself, as discussed, is subject to the effects of aging. With age comes a decrease in the capacity of most mammals to synthesize glutathione. Fortunately, supplementation is possible. Research, shows, however, that the best forms of glutathione supplementation are either injecting the peptide or inhaling it through a nasal preparation. Injection provides for the easiest administration of large doses of glutathione is the method most commonly used in research studies. Source: Nghiên cứu The graph above looks at ROS or free radical levels as a result of glutathione levels in standard mice versus mice that have been genetically modified to be prone to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This reveals two things about glutathione. First, it shows that AD has an oxidative component. That is to say, it appears that at least part of the risk of developing AD comes down to defective eradication of free radicals in the central nervous system. The second thing that this graph shows is the increase in free radicals that occurs following a reduction in glutathione levels. Note that glutathione reduction occurs at roughly middle age and that the increase in free radicals is delayed but obvious. This same pattern has been shown to hold in humans. Somewhere between the ages of 30 and 40 our glutathione levels begin to drop. This is followed, after a delay of 5-10 years, but an increase in free radical levels. It is thought that this accounts for many of the aspects of aging that seem to accelerate at around age 50.

Glutathione và ung thư

When it comes to cancer, glutathione appears to be both friend and foe. In the treatment of cancer, glutathione actually protects cancer cells from the effects of chemotherapy, scavenging them just as it would any other toxin or free radical. There is ongoing work to determine if it is possible to selectively reduce glutathione in tumor cells, thus making them more susceptible to chemotherapy[6]. Even though it was previously stated that oral glutathione supplementation is not very effective, research does suggest that it works in some settings. One of those settings is in preventing the development of skin cancer as a result of exposure to UV light. Studies in rats show that oral glutathione supplementation significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer following exposure to UV light[7]. This would suggest that, in addition to sunscreen, simply taking glutathione by mouth could be useful when out in the sun. The question remains if injection of the peptide would provide even greater protective effects. The role of glutathione in cancer is complex because, as pointed out, it has both beneficial and pathogenic functions. It is best to think of glutathione as being beneficial in preventing cancer but problematic when treating cancer. For instance, glutathione is critical in the removal and detoxification of carcinogens. Nowhere is this more evident than the lungs of smokers, where glutathione is depleted as it works overtime to remove nitrogen compounds from cigarette smoke. In this setting, glutathione supplementation can help to prevent the development of cancer. Once cancer develops, however, glutathione can promote tumor progression. In this setting, supplementation actually promotes metastasis but removing toxins that the body produces in an effort to kill cancer cells[8], [9]. In short, glutathione function is complex and context dependent. Scientists are actively working to understand how to best leverage glutathione to provide the best possible outcomes. What is clear, it seems, is that people who make efforts to avoid carcinogens and “live clean” probably benefit from the antioxidant effects of glutathione.

L-glutathione và não

Mức độ glutathione giảm có liên quan đến các dấu hiệu lão hóa phổ biến cũng như các rối loạn nghiêm trọng hơn như bệnh thoái hóa thần kinh. Cụ thể, bệnh lý glutathione đóng vai trò nổi bật và có lẽ là quan trọng trong sự khởi đầu của bệnh Parkinson (PD). Nghiên cứu mới chỉ ra rằng glutathione là một chất trung gian mạnh mẽ của một quá trình gọi là chết tế bào phụ thuộc sắt hoặc bệnh ferroptosis. Không có glutathione, loại cái chết tế bào được lập trình này không kiểm soát được trong các tế bào của hệ thần kinh trung ương, gây ra lão hóa sớm và góp phần phát triển bệnh thoái hóa thần kinh. Nghiên cứu phong phú cho thấy rằng việc bổ sung glutathione hoặc tiền chất của nó (ví dụ: n-acetyl cysteine) đặc biệt hữu ích trong việc bù đắp sự lão hóa thần kinh [10]. Source: PubMed The role of glutathione in the brain is also made obvious by the decline in glutathione levels with age. Research shows that while glutathione levels decline throughout the body with age, a result of a diminished capacity for production, levels decline most dramatically in the brain. This makes the brain more susceptible to both Parkinson’s disease and damage following stroke or other insult[11]. The decline in glutathione levels in the brain is particularly critical in times of stress. Mild stress normally induces an increase in glutathione production to protect against more severe stress, but the decline in synthetic capacity with age erodes this response. Thus, the older we get, the more susceptible we are to stress-induced neuronal damage. Offsetting this with N-acetyl cysteine supplementation is only partially effective because the synthetic machinery itself is compromised with age. Thus, research suggests that directly injecting (or inhaling) glutathione is the best way to boost levels of this antioxidant and prevent stress-related damage to the central nervous system.

L-glutathione và mắt

Perhaps the best-known role of glutathione is in the retina of the eye where it acts both as an antioxidant and as a supportive agent to Muller cells. Muller cells are cells within the retina that support the health and function of retinal neurons. Mujller cells, also called Muller glia, mediate acetylcholine and GABA neurotransmitter degradation, help to funnel light to retinal cells, and maintain the nutrient supply and waste removal of retinal cells. They are critical to eyesight and the long-term health of the retina, protecting the eye against everything from viral infection to diabetic retinopathy[12]. Glutathione is also an important component of lens health where it maintains protein thiols in their reduced state and thus maintains the normal light-scattering properties of the eye. A reduction in glutathione levels in the lens has been associated with cataract formation as well as changes in the permeability of the lens that make it harder for nutrient exchange to occur[13], [14]. Research shows that glutathione plays a critical role in protecting visual acuity and supporting retinal health. Combined with other anti-oxidants, research in animal models shows that glutathione supplementation (in this case delivered in the form of eye drops) can reduce oxidative stress in the eye and slow the typical changes that occur with aging such as cataracts and loss of visual acuity[15]. Supplementation with glutathione thus appears to support long-term health of all aspects of the eye including the retina, lens, and cornea. Research suggests that glutathione may help to ward off both ocular diseases as well as the “normal” effects of aging on the eye. Researchers are currently working on a topical (i.e., drop-based) delivery system for direct delivering of the peptide to the eye, but injected and inhaled glutathione likely provide benefit to the eye as well.

L-glutathione và sụn sức khỏe

Một trong những nguyên nhân cơ bản của viêm xương khớp (viêm khớp bị hao mòn) là sự không có khả năng của các tế bào duy trì sức khỏe sụn để thích nghi với căng thẳng. Nghiên cứu cho thấy rằng glutathione đóng một vai trò quan trọng trong quá trình này. Thật thú vị, bổ sung không phải là phương tiện duy nhất để tối đa hóa chức năng glutathione trong sụn. Trên thực tế, nghiên cứu trong bò chỉ ra rằng việc bổ sung chỉ là một phần của câu trả lời cho sụn lành mạnh. Phần khác của câu trả lời là dỡ sụn. Nói cách khác, các khớp nghỉ ngơi là rất quan trọng để tăng mức độ glutathione trong chúng. Nghiên cứu tốt nhất chỉ ra rằng gây ra stress oxy hóa, chẳng hạn như thông qua tập thể dục cẩn thận, sau đó là phần còn lại thích hợp tăng mức độ glutathione trong các khớp của chúng tôi và làm chậm quá trình lão hóa trong sụn [16].

L-glutathione và da

Nghiên cứu cho thấy bổ sung glutathione có lợi trong việc giảm các dấu hiệu lão hóa bên ngoài, đặc biệt là ở da. Một liều glutathione vừa phải, được cho trong hơn 12 tuần, đã được chứng minh là làm giảm sự xuất hiện của nếp nhăn, cải thiện độ đàn hồi của da và giảm ảnh. Bổ sung dẫn đến ít điểm tuổi hơn và da tổng thể nhẹ hơn do việc giảm tổng hợp melanin [17], [18]. Giảm tổng hợp melanin cũng như góp phần làm giảm tỷ lệ mắc ung thư da.

Glutathione và hệ thống miễn dịch

The immune system is exceptionally sensitive to glutathione levels. What is interesting is that there is little evidence to suggest that glutathione supplementation is beneficial in health, but ample evidence to suggest a massive benefit in the setting of disease. For instance, glutathione supplementation (or NAC supplementation) has been shown to significantly boost immune function in individuals with HIV[19]. This odd function of glutathione has prompted some people to suggest that supplementing during times of health is either pointless or even detrimental to the immune system. This is not what the research shows. Rather, it is better to think of it this way. Glutathione supplementation has no apparent effect on the immune system in health, but it does benefit in the setting of disease, even in the setting of simple viral illnesses. Thus, supplementing is of net benefit because we never know when we are going to catch a cold and being “stocked up” on glutathione puts our immune system in the best position to respond to infection. The reason for this odd behavior likely comes down to the fact that the immune system is relatively quiescent when we are well but ramps up production of disease-fighting cells and antibodies very rapidly in response to disease. Thus, the immune system is doing very little work and thus requires very little antioxidant capacity when it is at rest. When disease presents itself, however, the immune system requires vast amounts of antioxidant capacity and thus benefits substantially from higher levels of glutathione. In fact, supplementation with glutathione does appear to elevate storage levels and provide a kind of bugger against disease. A pilot study of liposomal glutathione in humans found that supplementation increases stores of glutathione. This, in turn, improves the function of natural killer cells (which are surveillance cells that help to ward off disease) and increases the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate[20]. In other words, glutathione supplementation during good health primes the immune system for a robust response when it is confronted with a challenge.

Tóm tắt L-Glutathione

Glutathione is a potent anti-oxidant and regulator of a number of biochemical processes. It is abundant in human tissues, but subject to decline with aging. Research shows that glutathione can help to reduce neurodegenerative disease, promote cartilage health, ward off age-related changes in the eye, improve immune function, and maintain more youthful skin. Overall, there is robust evidence that glutathione is a potent anti-aging compound with extensive immune and health benefits. Glutathione exhibits minimal side effects, low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg dosage in mice does not scale to humans. Glutathione for sale at

The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. E. Logan, M.D. Dr. E. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Nayan Patel, Pharm.D is globally regarded as the foremost go-to expert on absorbable forms of glutathione, and holds the only patent on transdermal glutathione. Patel is an internationally renowned educator, consultant, lecturer, and leading expert on the “master antioxidant” glutathione. In addition to many other topics such as cellular function and hormone replacement, Patel is a highly sought after global authority on the critical role in that glutathione, and all other antioxidants and endogenous molecules play in the body. Along with traveling the world educating practitioners on advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science, Dr. Patel also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy where he is also an alumnus. He is also co-inventor of a revolutionary patented technology that delivers glutathione through the water channels of the skin, via a sub-nano molecular delivery mechanism. Until now, the lack of an effective way of delivering glutathione into our bodies has kept glutathione from being accessible to most of the world. This new discovery helped solidify Patel’s standing as a true stand out in the arena of cutting edge knowledge surrounding Glutathione. Dr. Nayan Patel is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of Glutathione. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between

1. H. J. Forman, H. Zhang, and A. Rinna, “Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis,” Mol. Aspects Med., chuyến bay. 30, không. 1 Vang2, trang 1 trận12, tháng tư. 2009, doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006.
2. G. Teskey et al., “Glutathione as a Marker for Human Disease,” Adv. Clin. Chem., tập. 87, trang 141 Từ159, 2018, doi: 10.1016/bs.acc.2018.07.004.
3. S. Tsunoda et al., “Intact protein folding in the glutathione-depleted endoplasmic reticulum implicates alternative protein thiol reductants,” eLife, tập. 3, p. E03421, tháng 7 năm 2014, doi: 10.7554/elife.03421.
4. D. A. Hudson, S. A. Gannon, and C. Thorpe, “Oxidative protein folding: from thiol-disulfide exchange reactions to the redox poise of the endoplasmic reticulum,” Free Radic. Biol. Med., tập. 80, trang 171 Từ182, tháng 3 năm 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.07.037.
5. H. R. Freitas and R. A. de M. Reis, “Glutathione induces GABA release through P2X7R activation on Müller glia,” Neurogenesis, tập. 4, không. 1, p. E1283188, tháng 2 năm 2017, doi: 10.1080/23262133.2017.1283188.
6. J. H. Wu and G. Batist, “Glutathione and glutathione analogues; therapeutic potentials,” Biochim. Biophys. Acta, tập. 1830, không. 5, trang 3350 Từ3353, tháng 5 năm 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.11.016.
7. T. S. Nagapan, W. N. Lim, D. F. Basri, and A. R. Ghazali, “Oral supplementation of L-glutathione prevents ultraviolet B-induced melanogenesis and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice,” Exp. Anim., tập. 68, không. 4, trang 541 Từ548, tháng 11 năm 2019, doi: 10.1538/Expanim.19-0017.
8. A. Bansal and M. C. Simon, “Glutathione metabolism in cancer progression and treatment resistance,” J. Cell Biol., tập. 217, không. 7, trang 2291 Từ2298, tháng 7 năm 2018, doi: 10.1083/jcb.201804161.
9. N. Traverso et al., “Role of glutathione in cancer progression and chemoresistance,” Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev., tập. 2013, tr. 972913, 2013, hai: 10.1155/2013/972913.
10. T. Homma and J. Fujii, “Application of Glutathione as Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Aging Drugs,” Curr. Drug Metab., tập. 16, không. 7, trang 560 Từ571, 2015, doi: 10.2174/138920021666151015114515.
11. P. Maher, “The effects of stress and aging on glutathione metabolism,” Ageing Res. Rev., tập. 4, không. 2, trang 288 Từ314, tháng 5 năm 2005, doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2005.02.005.
12. E. Ganea and J. J. Harding, “Glutathione-related enzymes and the eye,” Curr. Eye Res., tập. 31, không. 1, trang 1 Ném11, tháng 1 năm 2006, doi: 10.1080/02713680500477347.
13. V. N. Reddy, “Glutathione and its function in the lens–an overview,” Exp. Eye Res., tập. 50, không. 6, trang 771 Từ778, tháng 6 năm 1990, doi: 10.1016/0014-4835 (90) 90127-g.
14. V. N. Reddy and F. J. Giblin, “Metabolism and function of glutathione in the lens,” Ciba Found. Symp., tập. 106, trang 65 Hàng87, 1984, doi: 10.1002/9780470720875.CH5.
15. M. A. Babizhayev, “New concept in nutrition for the maintenance of the aging eye redox regulation and therapeutic treatment of cataract disease; synergism of natural antioxidant imidazole-containing amino acid-based compounds, chaperone, and glutathione boosting agents: a systemic perspective on aging and longevity emerged from studies in humans,” Am. J. Ther., chuyến bay. 17, chặt chẽ. 4, trang. 373-389, tháng 8 năm 2010, DOO: 10.1097 / mjt.0b013e318181d6b3.
16. S. Zhu, D. Makosa, B. F. Miller, and T. M. Griffin, “Glutathione as a Mediator of Cartilage Oxidative Stress Resistance and Resilience During Aging and Osteoarthritis,” Connect. Tissue Res., tập. 61, không. 1, trang 34 Từ47, tháng 1 năm 2020, doi: 10.1080/03008207.2019.1665035.
17. S. Weschawalit, S. Thongthip, P. Phutrakool, and P. Asawanonda, “Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects,” Clin. Cosmet. Investig. Dermatol., tập. 10, trang 147 Từ153, 2017, doi: 10.2147/ccid.S128339.
18. W. Dilokthornsakul, T. Dhippayom, and P. Dilokthornsakul, “The clinical effect of glutathione on skin color and other related skin conditions: A systematic review,” J. Cosmet. Dermatol., tập. 18, không. 3, trang 728 Từ737, tháng 6 năm 2019, doi: 10.1111/jacd.12910.
19. W. Dröge and R. Breitkreutz, “Glutathione and immune function,” Proc. Nutr. Soc., tập. 59, không. 4, trang 595 Từ600, tháng 11 năm 2000, doi: 10.1017/s0029665100000847.
20. R. Sinha et al., “Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function,” Eur. J. Clin. Nutr., tập. 72, không. 1, trang 105 Từ111, tháng 1 năm 2018, doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2017.132.

ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Các sản phẩm được cung cấp trên trang web này chỉ được cung cấp cho các nghiên cứu trong ống nghiệm. Các nghiên cứu trong ống nghiệm (Latin: trong thủy tinh) được thực hiện bên ngoài cơ thể. Những sản phẩm này không phải là thuốc hoặc thuốc và chưa được FDA chấp thuận để ngăn ngừa, điều trị hoặc chữa khỏi mọi tình trạng y tế, bệnh tật hoặc bệnh tật. Việc giới thiệu cơ thể của bất kỳ loại nào vào người hoặc động vật đều bị cấm theo luật pháp.