Glutathione

Glutathione Overview

Glutathione is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. In research settings, it is studied as one of the body’s central intracellular antioxidants and is closely associated with redox regulation, cellular defense systems, and metabolic homeostasis.

Mechanism of Action & Applications

Glutathione is studied for how it participates in oxidation-reduction reactions and helps regulate cellular response to reactive oxygen species. In laboratory research, it is commonly used to examine antioxidant pathway activity, detoxification systems, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress signaling, and broader cellular protection mechanisms. Its thiol group is especially important in research involving redox-dependent enzyme systems and intracellular signaling balance.

Research History

Glutathione has been studied for more than a century and remains one of the most established molecules in biochemical research. Early work identified its role as a naturally occurring intracellular compound, and later research expanded into its function in redox biology, detoxification, enzyme activity, and stress-response signaling across many tissue and cell models.

Chemical Information

CAS Number: 70-18-8
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S
Molecular Weight: 307.32 g/mol
PubChem ID: 124886
Purity: ≥99%