Glutathione

The body’s principal intracellular antioxidant, central to detoxification and redox balance.

01Overview

Glutathione is a tripeptide (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) synthesized in every cell and present at high concentration in the liver. It is the body’s master antioxidant and a key player in detoxification.

Research interest spans oxidative stress, liver function, and cellular resilience.

02Mechanism

• Neutralizes reactive oxygen species directly via its reactive thiol (cysteine) group.
• Serves as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and detoxifying enzymes.
• Conjugates toxins and metabolic byproducts for clearance (phase-II detoxification).

03Research uses

• Oxidative-stress and redox research
• Liver-detoxification models
• Cellular-resilience and aging studies

04Key findings

• Depletion of glutathione is a hallmark of oxidative stress across many tissue models.
• Cysteine availability (e.g., via NAC) is typically rate-limiting for synthesis.
• Frequently studied alongside NAD+ and mitochondrial peptides in redox contexts.

05Handling & reconstitution

• Supplied as lyophilized powder or solution; the reduced form is oxidation-sensitive.
• Reconstitute with the appropriate diluent; swirl gently and minimize air exposure.
• Keep cold, dark, and sealed; discard discolored solution.