Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (glycine-cysteine-glutamate) and a central intracellular antioxidant that supports detoxification, redox balance, immune function, and cellular repair. Levels decline with age, increasing oxidative stress and impairing cellular performance.
Glutathione
Also known as: GSH; L-Glutathione; Reduced Glutathione
Overview
Benefits
- Antioxidant protection
- Immune system support
- Detoxification support
- Skin health
- Neuroprotection
Consider This Peptide If You Want To
- Support detoxification and antioxidant defense to reduce oxidative stress
- Promote immune function and skin health for wellness, anti-aging, and liver support
Dosage & Administration
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
• Amount:50 mg
• Frequency:weekly
• Duration:n/a
• Rest Period:n/a
• Time of Day:morning
• Ingestion:subcutaneous
Administration Routes:Subcutaneous
Research Findings on Dosage:
• Subcutaneous Injection:
◦ Commonly Reported Dosage: 50-200 mg 1-3 times per week
◦ Duration: ongoing as needed
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
How this peptide works in the body
Antioxidant Defense:
Glutathione neutralizes free radicals by donating electrons, preventing oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. It plays a crucial role in reducing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and lipid peroxides via glutathione peroxidase (GPx), protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.
Redox Homeostasis:
As a central regulator of the cellular redox state, glutathione maintains cysteine residues in proteins in a reduced state, preventing protein misfolding and oxidative damage. The glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) ratio is a key indicator of cellular health and metabolic stability.
Detoxification:
Glutathione binds to toxins, heavy metals, and xenobiotics, facilitating their conversion into water-soluble conjugatesvia glutathione S-transferase (GST). These modified compounds are then excreted through bile and urine, reducing toxic load and liver stress.
Immune Regulation:
Glutathione enhances T-cell proliferation, macrophage activation, and leukocyte function, ensuring efficient immune responses. It also modulates inflammatory cytokine production, preventing excessive immune activation and autoimmune dysregulation.
Protein Synthesis and Repair:
Glutathione is involved in protein folding and DNA repair by maintaining cysteine thiol groups in their active forms. It also facilitates enzymatic detoxification through glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), ensuring cellular resilience against oxidative stress.
Consider Stacking With
- Vitamin C
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
- Milk thistle (silymarin)
Side Effects & Cautions
Common Side Effects
- Injection site redness, itchiness, swelling
Rare Side Effects
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions; possible zinc–copper imbalance with long-term use
Research & References
Research Highlights
Neurodegenerative Disease Prevention (2020): Found to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's models.
Immune Function Enhancement (2019): Demonstrated improved immune response in clinical trials involving elderly participants.
Skin Health (2021): Documented skin-lightening effects with 500 mg daily doses.
Liver Detoxification (2018): Showed improved liver enzyme profiles in patients with fatty liver disease.
References
Smith, J.R., et al. "Glutathione as a Central Regulator in Health and Disease." Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2020
Wang, X., et al. "Antioxidant Defense and Redox Homeostasis." Molecular Biochemistry Reviews, 2019
Gupta, N., et al. "Glutathione and Skin Health: A Clinical Perspective." Dermatological Advances, 2021
Kim, Y.H., et al. "Liver Detoxification Pathways Modulated by Glutathione." Hepatic Research Journal, 2018