Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in mammalian cells and plays a central role in redox homeostasis, xenobiotic detoxification, and cellular defense mechanisms studied in biochemistry research.

Glutathione (γ-L-Glutamyl-L-Cysteinyl-Glycine) is a tripeptide and the primary intracellular antioxidant in mammalian biology. It is studied in research for its central role in redox homeostasis, detoxification enzymology, and cellular defense. Supplied as a high-purity research compound.

Glutathione was first identified by Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins in 1921. It has since become one of the most extensively studied molecules in biochemistry, with research spanning its roles in redox chemistry, enzyme cofactor function (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase), and cellular detoxification. Its biosynthesis via γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase is well characterized.

Published research demonstrates that glutathione serves as the primary intracellular thiol redox buffer, participating in ROS neutralization, phase II conjugation reactions, and protein thiol regulation. Studies have characterized its role in maintaining cellular redox potential (GSH/GSSG ratio), supporting immune cell function, and modulating apoptotic signaling. It is a critical research tool in oxidative stress and toxicology studies.