Compound Profiles
Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant in Published Research
Healthy Aminos Research Team · · 7 min read
Molecular Profile
[Glutathione](/peptides/antioxidant/glutathione) (GSH, L-glutathione reduced) is a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine with the structure γ-Glu-Cys-Gly. MW: 307.32 Da (CAS: 70-18-8). The unusual gamma-peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine (rather than the standard alpha-bond) provides resistance to most cellular peptidases.
GSH is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in mammalian cells, present at millimolar concentrations (1-10 mM). It serves as the primary substrate for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme families.
Published Research
### Six-Month Supplementation RCT
[Richie et al. (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24791752/) conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation in healthy adults over six months. The study reported dose-dependent increases in blood GSH levels — 30-35% increases at the 1,000 mg/day dose — along with measurable changes in oxidative stress biomarkers. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity was also assessed.
### Liposomal Delivery
[Sinha et al. (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853742/) examined liposomal glutathione delivery in a pilot clinical study. The liposomal formulation achieved approximately 40% elevation in blood GSH levels, with the authors noting improved bioavailability compared to conventional oral preparations.
### Oxidative Damage Markers
[Kalamkar et al. (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35624890/) published a six-month randomized controlled trial examining glutathione supplementation. The study measured multiple oxidative damage markers and reported reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls — established markers of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation respectively.
Research Context
Glutathione has the most extensive human clinical trial data of any antioxidant peptide. Published RCTs have examined oral, sublingual, intravenous, and liposomal delivery routes. The compound is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for food use.
For research-grade glutathione, Healthy Aminos supplies 600mg vials with ≥98% purity. Also explore [NAD+](/peptides/anti-aging/nad-plus) for complementary cellular protection research.
*All Healthy Aminos products are for research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved.*
Research Use Only
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Products sold by Healthy Aminos are intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved. By purchasing from Healthy Aminos, the buyer acknowledges that these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All products are sold as reference standards and research chemicals only.