Glutathione is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant in all human cells, and is often referred to as the body’s “master antioxidant”¹. It is a water-soluble tripeptide composed of glycine, L-cysteine and L-glutamic acid and mainly synthesised in the liver²⁻⁴.
It is involved in various critical physiological processes including DNA synthesis and repair, protein and prostaglandins synthesis, amino acid transport, maintaining redox balance, immune system function, prevention of oxidative cell damage, detoxification and enzyme activation⁵⁻⁷.
In human body, it exists in at least four different states, namely reduced (GSH), oxidised (GSSG), disulfide cysteine-containing and protein-bound. An interesting fact is, the glutathione in human body is constantly in flux, changing between forms and being split into its components and synthesised again. GSH is the biologically active form well known as the body’s most important antioxidant. Ratio of GSSG to GSH serves as a critical measurement of oxidative stress with higher levels of GSH indicate protection against toxins and oxidative damage while the opposite for GSSG⁸.
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, three-arm study, supplementation of 250mg of GSH and GSSG respectively for 12 weeks was reported to show positive effects on the skin as observed in lower melanin index and ultraviolet spots of all sites and increased skin elasticity at various sites. GSH group showed a significant wrinkles reduction compared to placebo⁹. In another small clinical study, significant reduction in the melanin indices was shown in as little as two weeks among Filipino females with brown or dark brown skin after taking 500mg of glutathione (present in lozenge in combination with selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E and grape seed extracts)¹⁰.
Several factors have been associated with NAFLD. Among all, dyslipidemia has been reported in 20% to 80% of patients with NAFLD¹¹. In an open label, single arm, multicenter, pilot trial, significant reduction in levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ferritin were observed in NAFLD patients after daily supplementation of 300mg of glutathione for 4 months. The protein-bound form of glutathione was reported to increase 1 to 2 hours after supplementation of glutathione. This suggested the orally administered glutathione is absorbed in the blood and stored in the liver which suppresses hepatitis¹². Besides, orally administered glutathione promotes fatty acid utilisation by upregulating protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- γ coactivator-1α and mitochondrial DNA with reduced plasma NEFA levels¹³.
Other than being a strong antioxidant, glutathione is also able to regenerate other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E. It is a substrate to conjugate drugs, alcohol, pesticides, and carcinogens. Glutathione conjugation helps in neutralising reactive toxins before they damage body tissues⁸. It is one of the most important primary phase-II detoxification pathways whereby environmental toxicants including solvents, herbicides, fungicides and lipid peroxides, and heavy metals are bio-transformed and excreted¹⁷.
Both forms of glutathione are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions include abdominal cramps, bloating, trouble breathing due to bronchial constriction and allergic reactions like rash.
Typical doses used in clinical trials is up to 500mg daily for up to 2 months.
Both forms of glutathione are generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions include abdominal cramps, bloating, trouble breathing due to bronchial constriction and allergic reactions like rash.
Typical doses used in clinical trials is up to 500mg daily for up to 2 months.
The material is prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a piece of personal medical advice. Owing to each person’s varying health needs, a physician should be consulted before acting on any information provided in this material. Although every effort is made to ensure that this material is accurate, it is compiled for internal use only and should not be considered definitive. Neither VitaHealth nor its employees, or information providers shall be responsible or liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or other defects in the information contained in this publication.
Hop extract, is the extract of hops which in turn are the dried, flowering parts of the hops plant (Humulus lupulus). This plant is twining
