Ergothioneine was first discovered by a French pharmacist in 1909 when he was studying ergot fungi that destroy rye grains. It is an antioxidant amino acid substance. It is a naturally occurring cell protector and antioxidant in the human body. A large number of studies at home and abroad have confirmed that ergothioneine can both remove free radicals in cells and reverse oxidized vitamin C in cells. It is important to know that this ingredient cannot be naturally synthesized in the body and is mainly obtained through food (such as mushrooms, oats, grains, etc.).
How does it work?
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a powerful antioxidant. Compared with VC and VE, its antioxidant effect is more powerful. First, because its antioxidant effect is at the DNA level, it can effectively protect mitochondria from free radical damage, thereby protecting DNA from damage. Secondly, its ability to remove free radicals is 3 times that of idebenone, 14 times that of glutathione, and 30 times that of coenzyme Q10. This helps prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases related to oxidative stress.
Highly-regarded efficacy
1. Elimination of hydroxyl radicals
The hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of 0.262 mmol/L glutathione is only 22.2% at most, while ergothioneine can reach up to 64.26%, which shows that the hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of ergothioneine is stronger than that of glutathione and is positively correlated with the added amount. Compared with common antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and glutathione, ergothioneine is better at scavenging peroxyl radicals and hydroxyl radicals.
2. Elimination of DPPH radicals
As a relatively stable free radical, DPPH radicals can combine with the single electron of antioxidants to cause fading. The intensity of fading is directly related to the antioxidant capacity of antioxidants.
3. Inhibition of tyrosinase activity
However, whether it is the monophenolase activity inhibition pathway or the diphenolase activity inhibition pathway, ergothioneine shows good ability to inhibit enzyme activity, and its inhibition ability is significantly better than the positive control vitamin C at the same concentration.
4. Effect on melanin
After 48 hours of treatment with the positive control kojic acid, the production of cellular melanin was inhibited, and the relative content of melanin decreased to 82.01% of the blank control group. When the concentration of ergothioneine was 0.25 mg/mL, the relative content of cellular melanin was 58.87% of the blank group, which was better than the whitening effect of 25 μg/mL kojic acid.
5. Detoxification effect
Ergothioneine can combine with heavy metals, toxic chemicals, etc. to form stable complexes, thereby helping to eliminate toxins in the body. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of heavy metal poisoning, drug poisoning, etc.
6. Cell protection effect
Ergothioneine can protect cells from hypoxia, ischemia, inflammation and other damage, and maintain the normal function of cells. Ergothioneine can reduce the damage to the skin from ultraviolet rays, computer electronic product radiation and other light sources, effectively resist photoaging, can minimize the formation of reactive oxygen, and protect cells from radiation and UVA damage.
7. Immunomodulatory effect
Ergothioneine can regulate the function of immune cells and improve the body's immunity. For example: regulating immune cells, inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, enhancing immune tolerance, anti-oxidation, etc.
8. Anti-inflammatory effect
Ergothioneine can inhibit inflammatory reactions and reduce inflammatory damage. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism mainly includes inhibiting the generation of inflammatory mediators, inhibiting oxidative stress, and promoting the generation of anti-inflammatory factors.
Main application areas of ergothioneine
1. Antioxidant
It is not easily oxidized in water, which allows them to reach a concentration of mmol in certain tissues and stimulate the natural antioxidant defense system of cells. Among the many antioxidants, ergothioneine is particularly unique because it can chelate heavy metal ions and protect red blood cells in the body from free radical damage.
2. Organ transplantation
The most commonly used antioxidant in organ transplantation is glutathione, but it is easily oxidized, and its antioxidant capacity is greatly reduced even in a refrigerated or liquid environment. It is toxic to cells, produces inflammation, and induces tissue proteolysis. Ergothioneine is relatively stable in aqueous solution and can be used as a substitute for glutathione to better protect transplanted organs.
3. Cosmetics and skin care products
Ergothioneine can protect cells from radiation damage to the greatest extent. Therefore, ergothioneine can be added to skin care products and cosmetics to help the skin resist oxidation and anti-aging.
4. Eye protection
Ophthalmic surgery is generally performed locally, and the water solubility and stability of ergothioneine make this surgery feasible and has great application value.
If you want to know more about ergothioneine, please feel free to contact me: kiyo@xarbkj.com
References:
[1] Zhu Benzhan. Mechanism of the natural antioxidant ergothioneine in protecting against copper-induced DNA and protein oxidative damage. Science Bulletin. 2011.
[2] Wang Yan. In vitro antioxidant capacity of ergothioneine from Pleurotus eryngii and the influence of environmental factors on its stability. Food and Fermentation Industries. 2019.
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