Glutathione – 1000mg (3ml Pen)

Glutathione is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the body and one of the most thoroughly characterised molecules in biochemistry. Its research profile is unusual for this catalogue in that the underlying biology is settled beyond dispute; the open questions are almost entirely about delivery — whether exogenous glutathione reaches the intracellular compartment where it functions.

Glutathione is a tripeptide (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) synthesised intracellularly in two ATP-dependent steps. Research describes its role as the principal cellular thiol antioxidant, functioning as a substrate for glutathione peroxidases in hydrogen peroxide reduction, as a cofactor in phase II detoxification via glutathione S-transferases, and as a determinant of cellular redox potential through the GSH/GSSG ratio. The gamma-peptide bond confers resistance to standard peptidases. Extracellular degradation and limited intact cellular uptake are extensively documented.

A vast and settled biochemical literature. The contested research question is not what glutathione does but whether administered glutathione reaches the intracellular compartment intact.

Redox biochemistry

Foundational characterisation of the GSH/GSSG couple and cellular redox potential.

Detoxification research

Extensive work on phase II conjugation via glutathione S-transferases.

Delivery question

Studies documenting extracellular degradation and limited intact uptake.

Precursor comparison

Research comparing direct administration against cysteine-donor approaches.

Dermatological research

Trials examining pigmentation endpoints, largely in East Asian populations.