Glutathione

• A tripeptide of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine.
• Present in every human cell; in the cytosol it is the most abundant antioxidant.
• It exists in a reduced (GSH) and an oxidised (GSSG) form. Their ratio is a commonly used indicator of oxidative stress.
• The cysteine at the centre of the molecule carries a thiol group — that is where the antioxidant function comes from.

• It neutralises reactive oxygen species directly through the thiol group.
• It is a cofactor of the glutathione peroxidases and glutathione S-transferases.
• It takes part in detoxification reactions in phase two of biotransformation.
• It contributes to regenerating vitamins C and E into their active form.

• Oxidative stress and redox balance.
• Detoxification pathways and xenobiotic metabolism.
• Cellular ageing.
• Immune cell function.

The biochemical role of glutathione is well documented. What is disputed is the

availability of the administered molecule — the literature describes glutathione

being broken down into its constituent amino acids in the digestive tract, and

the efficiency of different routes of administration is a matter of debate.

• The reduced form is sensitive to atmospheric oxygen — it oxidises after reconstitution.
• Keep in the dark and cold; prepare the solution as shortly before use as possible.