What is Glutathione?

Glutathione (often abbreviated as GSH) is a naturally occurring tripeptide antioxidant composed of three amino acids: glutamine (glutamic acid), cysteine, and glycine. It is synthesized in nearly every cell of the body, with the highest concentrations in the liver. Known as the "master antioxidant," glutathione neutralizes free radicals, supports detoxification by conjugating toxins for excretion, regenerates other antioxidants (like vitamins C and E), bolsters immune function, and maintains cellular redox balance essential for health and longevity. Levels decline with age, stress, poor diet, toxins, and certain diseases, prompting interest in supplementation—particularly injectable forms for superior bioavailability over oral routes, which suffer from poor absorption.

Discovery and Background

Glutathione was first identified in 1888 by French biologist J. de Rey-Pailhade, who observed a substance in yeast that reacted with sulfur to produce hydrogen sulfide (initially called "philothion"). In the early 1920s, British biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins characterized it further as a dipeptide-like compound containing glutamate and cysteine, coining the term "glutathione." The full tripeptide structure (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) was confirmed in 1935 by Charles Harington and others. After decades of limited attention, research surged in the late 1960s–1970s, highlighting its role in cellular protection, detoxification, and redox regulation. Injectable glutathione gained traction for clinical exploration due to bypassing gastrointestinal breakdown.

Research Overview

Glutathione has been extensively studied in animal models (e.g., mice, rats) for its protective effects against oxidative stress, neurodegeneration (Parkinson's models showing GSH depletion as a precursor), liver toxicity, inflammation, and immune modulation. Human studies include clinical trials on intravenous (IV) or intramuscular forms for conditions like Parkinson's (improved symptoms in small pilots with 1,400 mg IV 2–3x weekly), chemotherapy side-effect mitigation, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and skin health. While promising for detoxification, neuroprotection, and antioxidant support, large-scale randomized controlled trials are limited, with mixed results for some indications (e.g., oral forms show variable efficacy). Injectable administration consistently raises systemic levels more effectively than oral. It remains a research compound without broad FDA approval for therapeutic use, though widely used in wellness and clinical settings.

Common Applications

Glutathione is popular in wellness, anti-aging, detoxification, and recovery protocols for its broad protective roles.

Antioxidant Support and Cellular Protection

Glutathione combats oxidative stress, regenerates other antioxidants, and protects cells from damage due to free radicals, pollution, or aging—potentially aiding longevity and general vitality.

• Typical Dosage Ranges (injectable):
  • 100–600 mg per administration for maintenance/wellness.
  • Up to 600–1,200 mg for stronger support.
• Administration: Subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) injection; IV infusion in clinical settings.
• Frequency: 1–3 times weekly or daily at lower doses; cycles often 4–8 weeks with breaks.

Detoxification and Liver Support

It conjugates and eliminates toxins, heavy metals, and xenobiotics via the liver's phase II detoxification, making it useful for supporting liver health, reducing toxin burden, or aiding recovery from exposures.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • 500–1,200 mg per session.
• Administration: Subcutaneous, intramuscular, or IV.
• Frequency: 1–2 times weekly or as needed.

Immune Function and Inflammation Reduction

Glutathione enhances immune cell activity, modulates inflammation (e.g., reducing cytokines), and supports recovery in conditions involving oxidative or inflammatory stress.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • 200–600 mg per administration.
• Administration: Subcutaneous or intramuscular.
• Frequency: 1–3 times weekly.

Neuroprotection and Brain Health

Depletion is linked to neurodegenerative issues (e.g., Parkinson's); supplementation may support brain redox balance and symptom management.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • 600–1,400 mg (based on pilot studies).
• Administration: Intravenous or subcutaneous.
• Frequency: 2–3 times weekly in exploratory protocols.

Skin Health and Brightening

Glutathione inhibits melanin production and reduces oxidative damage, potentially improving skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation, and promoting a brighter complexion.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • 250–600 mg (often combined with other agents).
• Administration: Subcutaneous or IV.

Frequency: 1–2 times weekly.