Overview
Glutathione is classified as a antioxidant peptide. Detoxification, antioxidant defense, immune support, skin brightening.
Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant — a tripeptide (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) present in every cell. It neutralizes reactive oxygen species, regenerates vitamins C and E, supports Phase II liver detoxification, and modulates immune cell function. Injectable GSH bypasses poor oral bioavailability.
Also known as: GSH, L-Glutathione, Gamma-Glutamylcysteinylglycine, Reduced Glutathione
Category
Antioxidant
Half-Life
2h
Route
SubQ
FDA Status
Not Approved
How Does Glutathione Work?
Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant — a tripeptide (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) present in every cell. It neutralizes reactive oxygen species, regenerates vitamins C and E, supports Phase II liver detoxification, and modulates immune cell function. Injectable GSH bypasses poor oral bioavailability.
At the molecular level, Glutathione operates through pathways characteristic of the Antioxidant class, interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades to produce its observed effects.
Published Research
The following studies are indexed from PubMed and peer-reviewed journals:
[1]Glutathione: overview of biosynthesis, regulation, and clinical role
Forman et al. (Mol. Aspects Med.): Comprehensive review of glutathione's role in redox signaling, detoxification, and its depletion in disease states including Parkinson's, liver disease, and cancer.
Evidence: strong[2]Glutathione and immune function
Dröge & Breitkreutz (Proc. Nutr. Soc.): Review demonstrating glutathione's critical role in lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell activity, and overall immune defense.
Evidence: moderate[3]Glutathione for skin lightening: randomized controlled trial
Weschawalit et al. (Clin. Cosmet. Investig. Dermatol.): RCT showing oral glutathione supplementation significantly reduces melanin index and improves skin elasticity and wrinkles.
Evidence: moderate[4]Glutathione depletion in Parkinson's disease substantia nigra
Sian et al.: Early landmark study demonstrating reduced glutathione levels as one of the earliest biochemical changes in Parkinson's disease pathology.
Evidence: strongSafety Profile
Excellent safety profile. Used clinically for decades. IV and SubQ routes well-tolerated. Rare allergic reactions possible. May reduce effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs — avoid during cancer treatment without oncologist approval.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site redness | ~5% of users | mild |
| Mild bloating (oral) | ~8% of users | mild |
| Rare allergic reaction | <1% of users | rare |
Sourcing Glutathione for Research
If you're looking to source Glutathione for laboratory research, our vendor directory compares pricing, purity testing, and COA verification from independently vetted suppliers.
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Full Research Profile
Glutathione — dosing, interactions, timelines & more
Comprehensive compound profile with sourcing information, stacking synergies, and outcome timelines.