Approaching Chemistry: L Glutathione and Glutathione

L glutathione and glutathione are the same thing, which is present in the cells of plants and animals. For the human body, glutathione plays an extremely important role in maintaining the integrity and healthy operation of cells. The endless supply of glutathione is an indispensable element for the functional operation of antioxidants, free radical scavenging, detoxification, and other functions within cells. Nowadays, it is a highly respected and popular ingredient in both the health food and cosmetics industries. Let’s explore together.

What is L glutathione and glutathione?

Glutathione is synthesized by the liver in the body and is the main antioxidant in the liver, with small amounts present in other tissue cells of the body. Under physiological conditions, glutathione mainly exists in two forms: reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). It can help maintain normal immune system function and has detoxification effects. In addition, as the most abundant free radical scavenger synthesized in the human body, there is ample evidence to suggest that glutathione plays an important role in some acute and chronic diseases. It can also block the formation of melanin from the source, effectively antioxidant, and achieve anti-aging effects. It can not only be used for drugs, but also as a base material for functional foods, widely used in functional foods such as delaying aging, enhancing immunity, and anti-tumor effects.

L glutathione and glutathione

1.Biosynthesis of glutathione

Glutathione is produced in the cytoplasm of all human cells, but mainly in the liver, spleen, kidney, and lens, as well as white blood cells and red blood cells. The liver is the main organ that delivers glutathione to plasma and bile.

2.Sources of glutathione

Glutathione can be obtained from food, including fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, etc., such as cruciferous vegetables, foods rich in vitamin C.

Cruciferous vegetables are not only rich in vitamin C and vitamin K but also in sulforaphane. Studies have shown that it can increase glutathione. This type of vegetable includes cabbage. Garlic, onions, and other scallion vegetables and legumes are also rich in sulfur, which can help supplement glutathione. In addition, foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries and papaya, are also important sources. As an antioxidant, it can protect human cells from oxidative damage while maintaining a supply of other antioxidants in the body. Other foods such as tea rich in polyphenols and dark chocolate are also good choices.

3.Benefits of glutathione

3.1 Antioxidant effect

One of the benefits of glutathione is that it can directly and effectively eliminate free radicals through enzymatic reactions. It can also maintain exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their reduced (i.e. active) form. However, the efficiency of the glutathione redox system decreases with age.

3.2 Detoxification

Glutathione is a hydrophilic molecule that conjugates with various lipophilic physiological metabolites and xenobiotic substances to undergo biotransformation, allowing them to be excreted in bile and then eliminated in feces. Every system in the human body may be affected by the state of the glutathione system, especially the immune system, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, lungs, and eyes.

3.3 The benefits of glutathione for eye health

Glutathione has a high concentration in the lens and has many important functions, including helping to maintain the transparency of the lens, removing xenobiotics, and preventing oxidative damage. One of the reasons for neurodegenerative eye disease glaucoma is the lower levels of glutathione in the patient’s body.

3.4 Benefits for oral health

Glutathione is an important redox regulator in saliva, and its maintenance is crucial for periodontal health. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation associated with increased inflammation caused by plaque biofilm (produced by bacteria), excessive production of ROS, and decreased antioxidant activity in saliva, ultimately leading to loss of periodontal and skeletal support.

4.Applications of glutathione

Glutathione is widely used in the food industry and can be added to yogurt and baby food as a stabilizer. It can also be added to pasta to shorten the bread kneading time. It is also widely used in the cosmetics industry for inhibiting melanin formation. It can eliminate wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, shrink pores, fade pigments, and have excellent whitening effects on the human body. Although glutathione is a strong antioxidant, its application is limited due to poor storage stability and low bioavailability.

Conclusion

We have learned some information about L glutathione and glutathione. To sum up, glutathione is an essential nutrient in the human body. It plays an important role in maintaining bright eye crystals, oral health, detoxification function of the liver, and immune system function. So it is important to regularly consume foods rich in glutathione, such as cruciferous vegetables and vegetables rich in vitamin C.