Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid with significant antioxidant properties. Since its first discovery in 1909, the compound has attracted considerable attention in the scientific and industrial communities.

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at this amazing natural antioxidant.

一、 The basic characteristics of ergothione

The chemical name of ergothioneine is mercaptohistidine trimethyl internal salt, pure product is white crystal, has good water solubility, can be dissolved in water at room temperature, and will not oxidized itself in physiological pH value and strong alkali solution. It has two isomers, thiol and thione, C9H15N3O2S, molecular weight 229.3, CAS number 497-30-3.

二、The physiological function of ergothioneine

Ergothione has multiple physiological functions in the body. First, it is effective in scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Free radicals are harmful molecules produced during the body’s metabolism that attack biomolecules such as cell membranes and DNA, leading to cell damage and aging. Ergothione, through its unique chemical structure, is able to rapidly trap and remove these free radicals, thereby maintaining the normal physiological function of cells.

Secondly, ergothione also has a detoxification effect, which can chelate heavy metal ions and reduce their toxic effects on the body. Heavy metal ions, such as lead and mercury, will bind to biomolecules after entering the human body and affect the normal metabolism of cells. Ergothione can bind to these heavy metal ions to form stable complexes, thereby reducing their toxicity.

In addition, ergothionein is also involved in physiological processes such as maintaining DNA biosynthesis, normal cell growth and cellular immunity. It ensures the stability and accuracy of genetic information by promoting DNA repair and synthesis; At the same time, it can also enhance the immune function of cells and improve the body’s resistance to disease.

三、The application prospect of ergothioneine

Ergothione has a broad application prospect in the field of medicine. As a natural antioxidant, it can be used to prevent and treat a variety of diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. In addition, ergothioneine also has the effect of killing insects, treating skin diseases and relieving nervous headache.

With the promotion of health awareness, health care products and foods rich in ergothionein are more and more favored by consumers. As a safe, non-toxic natural antioxidant, ergothione is widely used in various health care products and functional foods.

In the field of cosmetics, the application of ergothioneine is increasingly extensive. Due to its ability to effectively fight free radical damage, ergothione is added to a variety of skin care products to slow the skin aging process. It can protect skin cells from the damage of external factors such as ultraviolet rays, reduce the formation of wrinkles and stains, and keep the skin young.

四、Ergothioneine: Guardian of Health – Analyzing its health benefits

1.anti-oxidation, resistance to free radical damage
Free radicals are harmful molecules produced during the body’s metabolism, which attack biological molecules such as cell membranes, DNA, and proteins, leading to cell damage and aging. Ergothione, with its unique chemical structure, can quickly trap and remove these free radicals, thereby reducing the damage of oxidative stress on the body. This antioxidant effect helps to delay cell aging and protect the structural and functional integrity of cells.

2.Protect cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Ergothione can reduce the sensitivity of heart cells to oxidative stress, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also regulate the energy metabolism of heart cells and maintain the normal function of the heart. Studies have shown a positive correlation between an ergothionein-rich diet and cardiovascular health.

3.Promote nervous system health
The nervous system is an important part of the human body, responsible for controlling and coordinating various activities of the body. Ergothione is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain and nervous system, protecting nerve cells from oxidative stress. This helps to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others. In addition, ergothioneine can also improve cognitive function, improve memory and learning ability.

4.Enhance immunity
The immune system is an important defense against the invasion of external pathogens. Ergothione can enhance the activity of immune cells and improve the body’s resistance to disease. It can also promote the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells and enhance the overall function of the immune system. This helps prevent common illnesses such as colds and flu and reduces the risk of infection.

5.Improve skin health
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and the most susceptible to external factors. Ergothione can protect skin cells from UV rays, pollutants and other external factors, and reduce the formation of skin problems such as wrinkles and color spots. It also promotes regeneration and repair of skin cells, keeping the skin youthful and shiny.

6.Auxiliary anti-tumor effect
Although ergothioneine itself does not directly kill tumor cells, it can reduce the resistance of tumor cells to oxidative stress, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In addition, ergothioneine can also reduce the damage to normal cells and reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This provides a new idea and method for tumor treatment.

五、 Preparation and source of ergothione

There are three main preparation methods of ergothionein: chemical synthesis, extraction and biological fermentation synthesis. However, the safety of chemical synthetic products is difficult to be guaranteed, and the cost of synthesis is high, which limits its application. The natural biological extraction method is to extract ergothionein from the fruit bodies of edible fungi, pig blood, animal tissues, ergothionein and grains, but the content of ergothionein in raw materials is low, and there are many impurities, drug residues and other problems.

At present, biological fermentation synthesis is regarded as the most promising preparation method. Through microbial fermentation, ergothionein can be synthesized efficiently and at a low cost, which is conducive to its large-scale production and application.

In summary, ergothione, as a natural amino acid with significant antioxidant properties, has many benefits for human health. It not only fights free radical damage, protects cardiovascular and nervous system health, but also boosts immunity, improves skin health and AIDS anti-tumor therapy. With the continuous progress of related research and technology, the application prospect of ergothione in the field of health will be broader. We should pay attention to ergothionein-rich foods and health supplements to better maintain our health.