Glutathione

L-Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitous tripeptide (Gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) serving as the primary intracellular redox buffer and master antioxidant. Its mechanism relies on the sulfhydryl group of the cysteine residue acting as an electron donor, neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals directly. Furthermore, it is a crucial substrate for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase, playing an essential role in the detoxification of xenobiotics, heavy metals, and lipid peroxides. High-dose (1500 mg) research focuses on its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders (by preventing dopamine oxidation), restoring hepatic function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and modulating the immune response by optimizing lymphocyte proliferation. Due to its large molecular weight and instability in solution, researchers must reconstitute it immediately before use and may consider specialized delivery mechanisms such as liposomal encapsulation for cellular uptake studies.