Glutathione (GSH)

Date: 09/01/2002

The following monograph includes a general summary overview of Glutathione (GSH) followed by a very detailed, technical overview.

Introduction

Glutathione is considered to be the most powerful, most versatile, and most important of the body's self-generated antioxidants. Among glutathione's many important properties are:

1) Is found in almost all living cells. The liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and the lens and cornea, have the highest concentrations in the body.
2) It is a powerful antioxidant and thus neutralizes free radicals and prevents their formation
3) Important role in immune function via white blood cell production and is one of the most potent anti-viral agents known
4) It is one of the strongest anti-cancer agents manufactured by the body,
5) Glutathione is able to reduce oxidized Vitamin C and Vitamin E back to their unoxidized state,
6) It is used by the liver to detoxify many toxins including formaldehyde, acetaminophen, benzpyrene and many other compounds and plays a key role in Phase I and Phase II detoxification reactions
7) It is an antioxidant necessary for the protection of proteins; is involved in nucleic acid synthesis and plays a role in DNA repair,
8) It maintains the cellular redox potential
9) Glutathione levels decrease with age. It is involved in cellular differentiation and slows the aging process
10) Protects the integrity of red blood cells
11) Glutathione is involved in maintaining normal brain function.