Description
Glutathione (GSH) is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of the amino acids glutamate, cysteine, and glycine (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine).
It is the body’s primary intracellular antioxidant and plays a central role in maintaining cellular redox balance. Glutathione neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen species, supports detoxification (especially in the liver by conjugating toxins), regenerates other antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E), and participates in immune function, DNA synthesis/repair, and protein regulation.
It exists mainly in its reduced form (GSH); the oxidized form (GSSG) is recycled back to GSH by the enzyme glutathione reductase. Levels decline with aging, oxidative stress, and certain diseases. It is studied and used (often as reduced glutathione or precursors) for antioxidant support, detoxification, and related therapeutic contexts.
