Ergothioneine supplement, long-lasting intracellular antioxidant

L-ergothioneine is recognised as an important factor in age-related diseases, as research quickly identified its remarkable capacity for combatting oxidative stress.

What is Ergothioneine?

Ergothioneine, EGT, is an amino acid – ie, a component of proteins – and a derivative of histidine, containing a sulphur atom. This natural, water-soluble compound was first isolated in 1909 in a parasitic fungus, Claviceps purpurea, or ergot of rye, although it has taken more than a century to synthesize it in the laboratory. It has been given GRAS status (generally recognized as safe) by the US FDA, ie, it is non-toxic. It can therefore be used in functional foods and drinks as well as in supplements. L-ergothioneine is synthesized from fungi and mycobacteria. Contained in plants, it is ingested by animals and humans from the diet. The main dietary sources are edible mushrooms, black and red beans, oat bran, garlic and certain meat products (liver and kidneys).

In human and animal tissue, L-ergothioneine is concentrated in those organs subject to significant oxidative stress: the liver, kidneys, heart, skin, lungs, spleen, small intestine and blood (particularly in erythrocytes), as well as in ocular tissue and seminal plasma. Ergothioneine was first used as a drug to treat major liver damage, cataracts, complications of diabetes and heart disease. Its beauty-related applications were also noted – it can be applied directly to the skin to prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing caused by sun-induced photo-oxidative damage. Naturally present in the skin, this substance counteracts the effects of key mediators involved in skin ageing, particularly photoaging.

While ergothioneine is thus associated with remarkable health benefits in terms of cognitive function, eyesight, immune-modulation, pulmonary health, reproductive function and skin health, it cannot be produced by the body. Vital for healthy cell function, it has been compared by some to a vitamin, and fortunately, this essential substance can now be obtained via supplementation.

What are the benefits associated with L-Ergothioneine capsules?

L-ergothioneine is exceptional in that it can reach the very core of certain cells such as erythrocytes, unlike other classic antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. It crosses the cell membrane thanks to a transporter, the OCTN1 protein. It is thus a potent intracellular antioxidant, as important as L-glutathione. In addition, it has also been shown to be a powerful chelator, enabling it to bind to toxic heavy metals, while protecting blood cells from all types of damage.

Encouraged by its antioxidant properties, researchers subsequently investigated its anti-inflammatory effects, since ergothioneine acts on, amongst others, the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin. Ergothioneine therefore has multiple properties actively working inside the human body:

• Neutralises reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals), thus combatting oxidative stress and reducing damage to mitochondrial DNA, oxidation of proteins and lipid peroxidation.
• Chelates – or traps – various positive metallic cations.
• Can activate antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase or SOD, while inhibiting enzymes that generate the superoxide radical.
• Reduces oxidation of various haemoproteins such as haemoglobin and myoglobin.
• Protects mitochondria.
• Reduces the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Preserves and maintains levels of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, glutathione and SOD.
• Protects the brain from neurotoxins and thus plays a preventive role against cognitive decline.
• Encourages cellular respiration and fat lipolysis, thus increasing energy and stamina for physical exercise.
• When combined with hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, collagen and cat's claw, it was shown to significantly reduce joint pain and increase joint mobility, associated in particular with poor postural work habits, after just six weeks' use.

Buy L-Ergothioneine capsules to benefit from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power.