The body's master endogenous antioxidant — a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Critical for liver detoxification, immune function, and cellular oxidative stress defense. Direct injection bypasses oral bioavailability limitations.
At a glance:
Glutathione (reduced, GSH)
Tripeptide composed of L-glutamate (linked through its γ-carboxyl group, an unusual peptide bond), L-cysteine (the central amino acid providing the active sulfhydryl group), and L-glycine. The reduced form (GSH) is the active antioxidant; the oxidized disulfide form (GSSG) is recycled back to GSH by glutathione reductase. The GSH:GSSG ratio is a central marker of cellular redox status.
Acetate buffer
Maintains reconstituted solution at pH 5.0–5.5 — the range in which the peptide is most chemically stable. Degrades to water and acetate; renally cleared.
Mannitol
USP-grade bulking agent used during lyophilization. Produces a uniform cake, prevents peptide collapse during reconstitution, and has no pharmacologic activity at the doses used.
Direct antioxidant action
The cysteine residue's sulfhydryl (-SH) group neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly, becoming oxidized to GSSG in the process. Glutathione is uniquely capable of regenerating other antioxidants (vitamins C and E) after they've been oxidized — making it a foundational layer of the cellular antioxidant defense network rather than a single-action antioxidant.
Phase II liver detoxification
Glutathione conjugation is one of the major Phase II detoxification pathways in the liver. Glutathione-S-transferase enzymes attach glutathione to electrophilic toxins (drug metabolites, environmental chemicals, heavy metals), creating water-soluble conjugates excreted via bile and urine. Critical for clearing acetaminophen metabolites, certain pesticides, and reactive metabolic intermediates.
Immune & inflammatory modulation
Glutathione is essential for proper immune cell function — both lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production are sensitive to cellular glutathione status. Depletion impairs T-cell response and shifts the immune system toward inflammation. Adequate glutathione supports balanced immune function, with effects most apparent in immune-stressed states (chronic illness, oxidative stress, post-infection recovery).
Skin pigmentation modulation
High-dose glutathione has been associated with skin lightening effects through inhibition of tyrosinase (the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis) and shifting melanin production toward lighter pheomelanin rather than darker eumelanin. This is a documented effect at clinical doses but is most often a secondary consideration; partner should screen for patient expectations around this effect.
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