Ergothioneine (EGT) is a naturally occurring amino acid. This compound has a unique sulfur-containing imidazole ring, which contributes to its strong antioxidant capacity.
Unlike many antioxidants that the body can synthesize, ergothioneine stands out because humans must obtain it from dietary sources — our bodies cannot produce it.
In 2005, scientists discovered that the human intestinal tract has a dedicated "ergothioneine transport channel" (OCTN1), which can efficiently absorb and store it for a long time. This discovery made people start to re-examine its importance.
The functions and efficacy of ergothioneine (EGT)
To date, research on ergothioneine has amassed more than 10,000 patents, with the core focus on anti-inflammation, cytoprotection, neuroprotection and anti-aging. Ergothioneine boasts a variety of impressive health benefits.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases, all of which are closely related to chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of ergothioneine is not simply achieved by inhibiting the inflammatory response, but rather through complex mechanisms that regulate the inflammatory process. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, but if it becomes chronic, it can lead to many chronic diseases.
The study found that ergothioneine can increase autophagy levels, reduce oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Ergothioneine helps regulate the body's inflammatory response and may reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.
Powerful antioxidant effect
Ergothioneine is a very powerful antioxidant that can effectively scavenge free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and damage to cells and tissues. The accumulation of free radicals is closely related to aging, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and many other chronic diseases.
Studies have shown that ergothioneine can stop peroxidation reactions at a concentration of 0.002%, while coenzyme Q10 cannot at the same concentration. Its free radical scavenging ability is astonishing: 60,000 times that of vitamin E, 20 times that of coenzyme Q10, and 6 times that of astaxanthin.
Protect the nervous system
Ergothioneine has excellent protective effects on nerve cells and can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease). Its antioxidant properties help reduce nerve cell damage and improve brain function and memory.
Lower plasma EGT levels are closely associated with various age-related diseases, including cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, and macular degeneration, with the lowest EGT levels observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD).
Ergothioneine can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter brain cells via the specific transporter OCTN1, potentially playing an important role in brain function.
Anti-aging effect
Due to its antioxidant effects in the body, ergothioneine helps slow down the aging process. Aging is closely related to oxidative damage to cells in the body, and ergothioneine, by reducing oxidative stress, helps delay skin aging, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This figure shows the distribution of plasma EGT levels in healthy individuals and unhealthy individuals (with at least one chronic disease, such as MCI, AD, VaD, PD, or AMD). Different colors are used in the figure to distinguish the EGT levels of healthy and unhealthy individuals. EGT levels were significantly higher in healthy individuals than in unhealthy individuals.
Cell protective effect
Ergothioneine provides a protective barrier for cells, particularly mitochondria. By protecting mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage, ergothioneine supports optimal cellular function and energy production. It is the only antioxidant specifically transported to the mitochondria by the OCTN1 transporter protein, reaching the core area where free radicals are generated—the mitochondria.
Ergothioneine effectively inhibits hydroxyl radicals produced through Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions by binding to uncoordinated iron, thus playing an important role in antioxidation and protecting mitochondria within cells.
Supports the immune system
Ergothioneine can enhance immune system function by protecting immune cells from oxidative damage, improving immune responses, and helping to fight infections and diseases. It is considered to play an important role in boosting immune function and preventing immune decline.
Supplementation with ergothioneine is associated with a significantly reduced risk of coronary artery disease, cardiovascular death, and overall mortality.
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