What is L-Ergothioneine

L-Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring thiol compound with unique biological activities.Ergothioneine, often abbreviated as EGT, is a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative. It is biosynthesized by certain fungi, bacteria, and plants, and can be absorbed and accumulated in the human body through dietary intake.  Thus L-ergothioneine (also called ergothioneine) is widely applied into medical industry, nutrition food supplements including nutrirional supplements, and functional food and beverage, cosmetics such as anti-aging skin-care products, sun protection skin-care products.

Benefits and Function of L-Ergothioneine

Antioxidant Protection

Ergothioneine has strong antioxidant properties. It can scavenge various reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the body, such as superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide. By neutralizing these free radicals, it helps prevent oxidative damage to cells and tissues, reducing the risk of developing many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

It also plays a role in protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative stress, thereby maintaining the normal structure and function of cells. For example, it can prevent lipid peroxidation, which is a key process in the development of atherosclerosis.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Ergothioneine can modulate the body's inflammatory response. It inhibits the activation of certain inflammatory signaling pathways and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). This helps in alleviating chronic inflammation associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.

By reducing inflammation, it can also improve overall immune function and enhance the body's ability to resist infections and diseases.

Cellular Protection and Detoxification

It acts as a cytoprotectant, helping cells resist various stressors, including environmental toxins, radiation, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Ergothioneine can chelate heavy metals like mercury and cadmium, facilitating their excretion from the body and reducing their toxic effects.

In the liver, it participates in the detoxification process by conjugating with harmful substances and making them more easily excreted in the bile or urine.

Eye Health Maintenance

Ergothioneine is highly concentrated in the eyes, especially in the lens and retina. It helps protect the eyes from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light and other environmental factors. This is crucial in preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other eye diseases.

It may also play a role in maintaining the normal function of retinal cells and improving visual acuity.

Skin Health Support

When applied topically or consumed orally, ergothioneine can benefit the skin. It helps protect the skin from UV-induced damage, reduces oxidative stress in skin cells, and delays the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.

It can also improve skin hydration and elasticity, promoting a healthy and youthful complexion.

L-Ergothioneine Production Process by Tianjia Team

Starting Material Preparation

Chemical synthesis of ergothioneine typically begins with the preparation of appropriate starting materials. For example, cysteine or its derivatives and imidazole derivatives are often used as key starting materials. These starting materials are synthesized or obtained through chemical reactions from commercially available chemicals.

Chemical Reaction Steps

The starting materials are then subjected to a series of chemical reactions. This may involve condensation reactions, substitution reactions, and other organic synthesis reactions to form the characteristic structure of ergothioneine. For example, cysteine is reacted with an imidazole derivative under specific reaction conditions, such as in the presence of a catalyst and a suitable solvent, to form the thiazole ring and amino acid side chain structure of ergothioneine. The reaction conditions need to be carefully controlled to ensure high reaction efficiency and product purity.

Purification and Characterization

After the chemical synthesis reaction is completed, the crude product is purified using techniques such as recrystallization, column chromatography, and HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). The purified product is then characterized by various analytical methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR), to confirm its structure and purity.

Characteritics of L-Ergothioneine

Water Solubility

Ergothioneine is highly water-soluble, which allows it to be easily transported and distributed in the aqueous environment of the body. This property enables it to reach various tissues and cells, where it exerts its biological functions.

Stability

It is relatively stable under physiological conditions. However, its stability can be affected by factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of certain metal ions. In general, it maintains its structure and activity within the normal pH range and temperature of the human body.

Bioavailability

The human body can absorb ergothioneine from dietary sources, such as mushrooms, kidney beans, and certain meats. It is taken up by specific transporters in the intestine and then distributed to different tissues. Its bioavailability is relatively high compared to some other antioxidants, allowing it to effectively perform its functions in the body.

Specific Distribution

Ergothioneine has a specific distribution pattern in the body. It is concentrated in certain tissues and organs, including the liver, kidneys, erythrocytes, and eyes. This specific distribution is related to its specific functions in different parts of the body.

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