Ergothioneine is a natural amino acid derived from histidine[1]. In the natural environment, ergothioneine can only be obtained by microbial fermentation and cannot be synthesized by any eukaryotic plant or animal.
In 1909, ergothioneine was first isolated and purified from Ergot fungi, hence its name.
Ergothioneine has a strong antioxidant effect and does not undergo self-oxidation under physiological conditions, so its stability is superior to other water-soluble antioxidants.
Just like a house that has been out of repair for many years, it will age, and become dilapidated and overloaded, but if it is repaired and renovated, the service life of the house may be extended.
Free radical scavenging and antioxidants can solve skin problems from the source, which has been confirmed by many scientific studies.
EGT stands out from many active ingredients by virtue of its absolute power in antioxidants, that is, protecting and repairing the skin from the endogenous source and enhancing the skin's barrier function. Bruce Ames, a member of the American Academy of Sciences, a cancer and anti-aging expert, and a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of California, calls ergothioneine a "longevity nutrient."
Based on the advantages of ergothioneine's high efficiency, stable antioxidant properties, and easy absorption by the skin, it is widely used in dietary supplements and cosmetics.
The content of ergothioneine in mushrooms is 45 times that of other foods. Among them, oyster mushrooms, morels, maitake mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms contain the most ergothioneine.
In addition, although eukaryotic plants and animals cannot synthesize ergothioneine themselves, they can be ingested through the soil, so legumes such as black beans and kidney beans also contain a large amount of ergothioneine.
1. Antioxidant effect Ergothioneine
As a powerful antioxidant, EGT can remove free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative damage. Compared with VC and VE, EGT has a stronger antioxidant effect. First, EGT's antioxidant effect is at the DNA level, which can effectively protect mitochondria from free radical damage, thereby protecting DNA from damage. Secondly, its ability to remove free radicals is 3 times that of idebenone, 14 times that of glutathione, and 30 times that of coenzyme Q10. This helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases related to oxidative stress.
2. Detoxification effect
Ergothioneine can combine with heavy metals, toxic chemicals, etc. to form stable complexes, thereby helping to eliminate toxins in the body. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of heavy metal poisoning, drug poisoning, etc.
3. Cell protection effect
Ergothioneine can protect cells from damage such as hypoxia, ischemia, and inflammation, and maintain the normal function of cells. Ergothioneine can reduce the damage to the skin from ultraviolet rays, radiation from computer electronic products, and other light sources, effectively resist photoaging, minimize the formation of reactive oxygen, and protect cells from radiation and UVA damage.
4. Immunomodulatory effect
Ergothioneine can regulate the function of immune cells and improve the body's immunity. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, etc.
5. Anti-inflammatory effect
Ergothioneine can inhibit inflammatory reactions and reduce inflammatory damage. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and enteritis.
6. Neuroprotective effect
Ergothioneine can protect nerve cells from damage and maintain normal nerve function. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
