Overview
Glutathione (L-glutathione, GSH) is the most abundant endogenous antioxidant in mammalian cells, present at millimolar concentrations in virtually every cell type. It is a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine linked via a gamma-peptide bond between the glutamate and cysteine residues. The free thiol group on the cysteine residue is responsible for glutathione's reducing and antioxidant activity.
As both a direct antioxidant and a substrate for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase enzyme families, glutathione plays central roles in neutralizing reactive oxygen species, reducing lipid hydroperoxides, detoxifying xenobiotics and endogenous electrophiles, and maintaining the cellular redox environment. It is also critical for regenerating other antioxidants including vitamins C and E. Research applications span oxidative stress biology, detoxification pathway studies, immune cell function research, and aging studies where declining GSH levels are a hallmark of cellular senescence.
Mechanism of Action
- Direct scavenging of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide, and other reactive oxygen and nitrogen species via thiol oxidation
- Substrate for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) — converts H₂O₂ and lipid hydroperoxides to water/alcohols while oxidizing GSH to GSSG
- Substrate for glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) — conjugation to electrophilic xenobiotics and reactive metabolites for excretion
- Maintenance of protein thiol groups in reduced state, preventing oxidative damage to enzymes and structural proteins
- Regeneration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) from dehydroascorbate via glutaredoxin-dependent reduction
- Support of immune cell proliferation and cytotoxic T-cell activity via intracellular redox regulation
Specifications
| Full Name | L-Glutathione (reduced, GSH) |
| Sequence | γ-Glu-Cys-Gly |
| Formula | C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S |
| MW | 307.32 Da |
| CAS | 70-18-8 |
| Purity | ≥98% HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Storage (lyophilized) | −20°C, protect from light |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2–8°C, use within 14 days |
| Solubility | Sterile water; avoid alkaline pH |
Reconstitution
Reconstitute in sterile water at slightly acidic pH for best stability. Avoid bacteriostatic water if pH is above 6.5 as glutathione oxidizes more rapidly at neutral to alkaline pH. Store at 2–8°C and use within 14 days. Protect from light.
Quality Assurance
Every batch undergoes third-party HPLC testing to verify ≥98% purity. Reduced (GSH) vs. oxidized (GSSG) ratio confirmed. COA included with every order.
Research Use Only. Glutathione is sold exclusively for in vitro research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human consumption, veterinary use, or any clinical application. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and must not be misbranded, misused, or mislabeled as such.