Research Compendium/Glutathione
Anti-Ageing & LongevityResearch OnlyNot For Human Consumption

Glutathione

GSH · L-Glutathione reduced · Master antioxidant

Your body's most powerful built-in antioxidant, injectable glutathione replenishes it directly where it's needed, unlike oral pills.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Glutathione is a small three-part molecule your body makes in almost every cell. Its job is to neutralise free radicals, damaging molecules that build up from stress, pollution, illness, and ageing. It also helps the liver break down toxins and recharges antioxidant vitamins like C and E so they can keep working. The problem with taking glutathione as a pill: your gut breaks it apart before it can be absorbed. This means oral supplements have very limited effect. Injecting it bypasses this problem entirely and raises glutathione levels directly in the blood and cells. That's why IV and injectable formats are favoured in clinical and research settings for detoxification and anti-ageing protocols.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

  • Systemic antioxidant repletion - oxidative stress research
  • Hepatic detoxification and liver protection models
  • Skin brightening via melanogenesis inhibition (tyrosinase inhibition)
  • Heavy metal chelation and detoxification
  • Immune function support - NK cell and T-cell activity

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

IV vs. Oral Bioavailability

1992

Multiple studies confirm oral GSH is largely hydrolysed before absorption; IV administration produces measurable plasma GSH elevation while oral routes require N-acetylcysteine or liposomal formulations for efficacy.

Ref: Witschi et al., Eur J Clin Pharmacol

Skin Brightening via Tyrosinase Inhibition

2014

IV GSH reduces melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme, with clinical evidence of skin lightening effects in Asian study cohorts.

Ref: Watanabe et al., Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol

RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES

Injectable doses600–1200 mg IV or SC per administration
ReconstitutionSterile water for injection; do not mix with other agents in same syringe
Available formatsVial (1000–1200mg - Peptide Pen, Noventra Pen)

Chemical Identity

Molecular FormulaC10H17N3O6S
Molecular Weight307.3 g/mol
CAS Number70-18-8
SolubilityHighly soluble in water

Sequence

γ-Glu-Cys-Gly

Storage & Stability

Lyophilised: -20°C, 24 months. Reconstituted: use within 2 hours (no preservative) or 24 hours with bacteriostatic water. Highly susceptible to oxidation - reduced (GSH) form converts to GSSG rapidly in air.

Regulatory Status

IV glutathione used clinically in SA by some practitioners (anti-ageing, skin). Injectable pharmaceutical grade = research/compounded. Not WADA prohibited. Oral supplement = freely available.

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