L-Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid derivative found in various plants and animals. Unlike other amino acids, the human body cannot synthesize ergothioneine; it must be obtained through a balanced diet. The specific cationic transporter protein, slc22a4 (formerly known as OCTN1), facilitates the transport of ergothioneine into cells. With its potent antioxidant properties, ergothioneine effectively reduces free radicals and significantly impacts human physiological functions.
CAS : 497-30-3
Molecular Weight : 229.3
Molecular Formula : C9H15N3O2S
HPLC Purity : ≥99%
The slc22a4 gene, which encodes the transporter protein for ergothioneine, is widely expressed across various tissues and organs, indicating the ubiquitous presence of ergothioneine throughout the human body.
A study involving 45 healthy volunteers was conducted, dividing participants into three groups: a placebo group, a low-dose ergothioneine group (5 mg/day), and a high-dose ergothioneine group (25 mg/day). After 35 days, a significant increase in blood ergothioneine levels was observed in the treatment groups, with no adverse effects reported.
Mechanism
Ergothioneine effectively removes ROS from the human body.
Endothelial cells cultured in vitro were divided into four groups: a control group, a negative control group treated with 30 μM 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), a group treated with 1 mM ergothioneine (EGT), and a combined treatment group with 7KC and EGT. After 24 hours, an increase in the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα induced by 7KC was observed. The addition of EGT significantly reduced the expression of these inflammatory factors.
Arterial endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and exposed to varying concentrations of H2O2, resulting in a marked decrease in cell viability. However, the addition of 0.5 mM ergothioneine (EGT) significantly increased cell viability, effectively preventing damage to the endothelial cells.