Ergothioneine: The Essential Antioxidant for Cellular Longevity
1. What Is Ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a naturally occurring sulfur – containing amino acid with potent antioxidant and anti – inflammatory properties. Discovered in 1909, it acts as a cellular protectant by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating mitochondrial function. Found in mushrooms, certain grains, and animal tissues, EGT is unique for its ability to cross the blood – brain barrier and accumulate in metabolically active tissues, making it a key ingredient in advanced nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

2. Product Origin & Chemical Properties
2.1 Source
2.2 Chemical Profile
- CAS Number: 497 – 30 – 3
- Molecular Formula (MF): C₉H₁₄N₂O₂S
- Molecular Weight (MW): 226.3 g/mol
- EINECS: 207 – 847 – 9
- Physical State: White crystalline powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water (50 mg/mL), slightly soluble in ethanol
3. Company Profile: Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
- R&D Leadership: 5 university partnerships, 20+ patents, and a global compound library for innovative EGT formulations.
- Technical Excellence: HPLC/NMR – based quality control ensuring purity ≥ 99%, 20% above industry standards.
- Global Reach: Serving 80+ countries with GMP – compliant EGT for pharma, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.
4. Health Benefits & Mechanisms of Action
4.1 Key Health Advantages
4.1.1 Oxidative Stress Defense
- Nrf2 Pathway Activation: Upregulates antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) and glutathione synthesis, protecting cells from ROS – induced damage linked to aging and degenerative diseases.
- Mitochondrial Protection: Maintains mitochondrial membrane integrity, enhancing energy production and reducing oxidative damage in high – energy tissues (brain, kidneys, liver).
4.1.2 Inflammation Regulation
- Inhibits NF – κB pathway, reducing pro – inflammatory cytokines (IL – 6, TNF – α), beneficial for arthritis, cardiovascular health, and metabolic syndrome.
4.1.3 Neuroprotection
- Crosses blood – brain barrier to protect neurons from amyloid β and α – synuclein aggregation, studied for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease prevention.
4.1.4 Immune Support
- Enhances immune cell function (T cells, macrophages), improving resistance to infections and modulating autoimmune responses.
4.2 Optimal Dosage & Bioavailability
- Daily Intake: 50–200 mg for general health; clinical trials use up to 500 mg for age – related conditions.
- Best Form: Fermented mushroom extracts offer 95%+ bioavailability, superior to food sources due to standardized extraction.
5. Usage Guidelines & Precautions
5.1 Recommended Use
- Dietary Supplements: 50–100 mg capsules/tablets daily, preferably with food.
- Cosmetics: 0.5%–1% in serums/creams for anti – aging and UV protection.
- Pharmaceuticals: Custom APIs for clinical trials (GMP – certified, contact for COA).
5.2 Safety Considerations
- Contraindications: Avoid with sulfite allergies; consult physicians if pregnant or on immunosuppressants.
- Side Effects: Rare gastrointestinal discomfort at > 500 mg/day; no reported toxicity in clinical studies.
6. Product Specifications
Category | Test Items | Standards | Detection Methods |
Pesticide Residues | Chlorpyrifos | < 0.01 ppm | GC – MS |
Carbendazim | < 0.05 ppm | HPLC – MS/MS | |
Heavy Metals | Lead (Pb) | < 0.5 ppm | ICP – MS |
Mercury (Hg) | < 0.01 ppm | CVAAS | |
Microbial Safety | Total Viable Count | < 100 CFU/g | Microbiological plating |
Pathogens (E. coli/Salmonella) | Absent | PCR – based detection |
7. Production Process
- Fungal Cultivation: Controlled fermentation of Agaricus bisporus mycelium for 14 days to maximize EGT biosynthesis.
- Extraction: Hot – water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation to isolate EGT – rich fractions.
- Chromatographic Purification: Preparative HPLC to achieve ≥ 99% purity, verified by NMR and mass spectrometry.
- Formulation: Micro – encapsulated powder (10–40 μm) for enhanced stability and bioavailability.
8. Industrial Applications
8.1 Pharmaceuticals
- Neurodegenerative Disease Trials: Investigated as an adjunct for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Antioxidant Therapies: Used in eye care products for cataracts and age – related macular degeneration.
8.2 Nutraceuticals
- Aging Support Supplements: Combined with coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol for mitochondrial health.
- Sports Nutrition: Reduces exercise – induced oxidative stress and muscle damage.
8.3 Cosmetics
- Anti – Aging Formulations: Promotes collagen synthesis and protects against UVB – induced skin damage.
- Hair Care: Strengthens follicles and reduces oxidative stress – related hair loss.
9. Quality Control
- Raw Material Testing: DNA sequencing for fungal strain authentication; HPLC to quantify EGT precursor levels.
- Process Monitoring: Real – time HPLC for extraction yield (target ≥ 1.2% EGT in mycelium) and purity tracking.
- Final Product Analysis: Multivariate testing for chemical composition (NMR), microbial safety (PCR), and heavy metals (ICP – MS).
- Traceability: Blockchain – recorded data from fermentation to packaging, compliant with FDA, EFSA, and NSF standards.
10. Research Frontiers & Innovations
10.1 Technological Advancements
- Nanoencapsulation: Liposomal EGT boosts bioavailability by 40%, enabling targeted delivery to mitochondria.
- Synthetic Biology: Engineered yeast strains for cost – efficient, large – scale EGT production.
10.2 Challenges
- Stability: Oxygen sensitivity requires airtight, nitrogen – flushed packaging (store at < 20°C).
- Regulatory Approval: Ongoing clinical trials to establish disease – specific health claims (e.g., immune support).
11. Packaging & Logistics
- Packaging: Food – grade aluminum foil bags (1 kg), fiber drums (25 kg); custom sizes for bulk orders.
- Storage: Cool, dry place away from light; shelf life of 36 months under recommended conditions.
- Delivery: Global shipping via DHL/FedEx (samples in 3 days, bulk orders in 7–15 days).
12. FAQ
12.1 Where to Purchase?
- Inquiries: liaodaohai@gmail.com
- Website: aiherba.com
- Documentation: COA, MSDS, and GRAS notices available upon request.
12.2 Is Ergothioneine Vegan?
12.3 Can It Be Taken with Other Antioxidants?
13. Conclusion
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a naturally occurring, potent antioxidant with remarkable benefits for longevity, neuroprotection, and immune health. Scientific research highlights its unique ability to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support mitochondrial function, making it a key player in anti-aging and disease prevention.
Why Ergothioneine Stands Out:
✅ Powerful Antioxidant – Unlike other antioxidants, EGT has superior cellular uptake, protecting DNA and mitochondria from damage.
✅ Brain Health Booster – Studies suggest EGT may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
✅ Immune & Anti-Inflammatory Support – Regulates immune response and may lower chronic disease risks.
✅ Natural Sources – Found in mushrooms (shiitake, porcini), oats, and certain meats, or available as a supplement.
14. References
- Grünewald, T. et al. (2007). FASEB Journal. 21: 3440–3449.
- McNaught, K. S. et al. (2007). Antioxid Redox Signal. 9: 1771–1782.
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 41 – NF 36 (2018).
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