Glutathione Mechanism of Action
How Glutathione works: receptor targets, signalling pathways, and molecular profile.
Master Antioxidant
Glutathione is a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, synthesized primarily in the liver. Its central thiol (-SH) group allows it to neutralize reactive oxygen species and regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, making it a core component of the body's intracellular antioxidant defense and detoxification machinery, including conjugation reactions in liver Phase II metabolism.
Endogenous Recycling
Rather than being consumed and excreted like a typical supplement, glutathione is continuously recycled between its reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms via glutathione reductase, an enzymatic cycle that regenerates the antioxidant pool from within cells rather than relying solely on external replenishment.