Vitamin/Ancillary

L-Glutathione

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

Quick Answer

What does current research show about L-Glutathione as an endogenous antioxidant?

L-Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) and the body's most abundant intracellular antioxidant. Research published in PubMed-indexed journals demonstrates its roles in oxidative stress mitigation, xenobiotic detoxification via glutathione-S-transferase, and immune modulation. GSH depletion is associated with ageing and chronic disease pathophysiology in multiple preclinical and clinical studies.

PMID42044432↗DOI10.2147/CCID.S68424↗⟳ Reconstitution Calculator
Scientific AbstractPMID 42044432 · 2017

This study explores whether GSTM1, GSTT1, and TP53 rs1042522 polymorphisms, key regulators of detoxification and oxidative stress responses, influence obesity risk and related metabolic profiles in children. Blood samples from 60 obese children and 60 healthy controls were analyzed. GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions were assessed via polymerase chain reaction melting curve analysis, and TP53 rs1042522 was genotyped by direct DNA sequencing.

Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations and genotype frequencies in controls were evaluated, and the association of genetic variants with obesity, clinical complications, and metabolic parameters was examined. In obese children, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype frequencies deviated from Hardy-Weinberg expectations and differed from controls, whereas TP53 rs1042522 conformed to expected distributions yet was statistically underpowered. 05).

001). 87). The GSTM1 null carriers had elevated cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and gamma-glutamyl transferase, while TP53 Arg/Arg and Pro/Pro carriers exhibited higher LDL and alanine aminotransferase, respectively.

No significant links were observed with insulin resistance or hepatic steatosis. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes are significant genetic risk factors for childhood obesity, likely through reduced detoxification capacity and subsequent oxidative stress-related metabolic disruption. These findings highlight the importance of considering detoxification pathways when assessing genetic predisposition to obesity in children.

Source:10.2147/CCID.S68424
Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is L-Glutathione?

L-Glutathione is a tripeptide (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) serving as the primary intracellular antioxidant and cofactor for glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes, which catalyze Phase II detoxification. This study examined how genetic polymorphisms affecting glutathione metabolism influence obesity risk in children.

Mechanism of Action

L-Glutathione functions as an electron donor in detoxification reactions catalyzed by GST isoforms (GSTM1 and GSTT1), which conjugate electrophilic xenobiotics and endogenous metabolites for urinary excretion. Individuals with GSTM1 null or GSTT1 null genotypes exhibit reduced detoxification capacity, leading to accumulated oxidative stress and impaired metabolic homeostasis. This dysregulation disrupts lipid metabolism and hepatic function, increasing obesity susceptibility.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • GSTM1 null genotype increased childhood obesity risk 3.28-fold (95% CI: 1.36–7.93, P < 0.05), with carriers showing elevated total cholesterol, LDL, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity
  • GSTT1 null genotype conferred 4.76-fold higher obesity risk (95% CI: 2.08–10.88, P < 0.001), representing the strongest genetic association identified
  • TP53 rs1042522 polymorphism showed no significant obesity association (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.44–2.87), despite conferring metabolic alterations in hepatic enzyme expression

Clinical Significance

This research demonstrates that glutathione biosynthesis and detoxification pathway integrity represent independent genetic determinants of childhood obesity risk, independent of insulin sensitivity markers. Children carrying GSTM1/GSTT1 null alleles warrant targeted oxidative stress biomarker monitoring and potential N-acetylcysteine (glutathione precursor) intervention consideration.

Clinical Research Parameters
10 trials4 human studies

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

Registered Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
NCT01537549 ↗
COMPLETEDPhase I / Phase IIn=11

Alpha-lipoic Acid/L-acetyl Carnitine for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid and L-acetyl carnitine may have some neuroprotective activities and it is hoped that they could be helpful for people with neurodegenerative illnesses such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The purpose of this study is to find out whether the nutritional supplement alpha-lipoic acid/L-acetyl carnitine is safe and well-tolerated in individuals with

Study Interventions
alpha-lipoic acid and L-acetyl carnitine
Primary Endpoints
Adverse Events
Study Period
2010-09-14 → 2015-04-07
NCT01467063 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=13

Glutamine and Insulin Sensitivity in Type I Diabetes

Insulin is crucial to help the body metabolize ('burn') sugar (glucose). Even though juvenile (type 1) diabetes (T1D) is primarily due to the lack of insulin, patients with T1D tend to become less sensitive to insulin, particularly during adolescence. The overall objective of this project is to gain further insight into the possible benefits of supplementation with glutamine (GLN), a natural diet

Study Interventions
Glutamine, Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Insulin Sensitivity
Study Period
2011-10 → 2013-07
NCT02930031 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=10

Redox Status and Immune Function

In this investigation the investigators utilized N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation to enhance reduced glutathione (GSH) stores during an 8-day recovery period from a strenuous eccentric exercise protocol in order to test the hypotheses: i) redox status perturbations in skeletal muscle are pivotal for the immune responses and ii) antioxidant supplementation may alter immune cell responses foll

Study Interventions
n-acetylcysteine, Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Changes in protein carbonyls in red blood cells; Changes in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in red blood cells
Study Period
2015-01 → 2016-03
NCT06417671 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=16

The Effect of Postbiotics Supplementation on Exercise-induced Oxidative Stress.

Scientific data on the effect of supplementation of postbiotics on exercise-induced oxidative stress are scarce. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the effect of postbiotics supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress and performance indicators after intense exercise. The study will be a cross-over, randomized, double-blind, controlled study that will be conducted in two c

Study Interventions
Postbiotics supplementation, Placebo supplementation
Primary Endpoints
Changes in PC; Changes in malondialdehyde (MDA)
Study Period
2024-05-15 → 2024-08-30
NCT01541826 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=62

Study of Chokeberry to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Former Smokers

The purpose of this project is to determine whether chokeberry polyphenols mitigate cardiovascular disease risk in former smokers.

Study Interventions
Chokeberry Extract, Placebo capsule, Chokeberry extract capsule, acute
Primary Endpoints
LDL Cholesterol
Study Period
2012-02 → 2016-12
NCT02316925 ↗
WITHDRAWNN/A0

GSH Supplementation on Cold/Flu Symptoms in Older Healthy Adults

A randomized, double blind placebo-controlled parallel intervention in adults over the age of 50 will be performed. Participants will receive a supplement capsule containing placebo (Crystalline Cellulose) or 500mg of Setria® Glutathione to eat for 120 days. Glutathione is hypothesized to replenish the body's reserves that may be depleted through natural aging process, poor diet, or due to the det

Study Interventions
Setria glutathione supplement, Crystalline Cellulose
Primary Endpoints
Severity and frequency of Cold / Flu symptoms
Study Period
2015-05 → 2015-05
NCT05568316 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=50

Impact of Immunonutrition on Nutritional Status in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer is among the top three types of cancer that are most common and causes death worldwide.Nutritional support is widely used in elective colorectal surgery patients, as nutritional status is an important factor affecting clinical outcomes. European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN, 2016) emphasizes that nutritional supplementation with compounds such as amino aci

Study Interventions
Preoperative Immunonutrition, Perioperative Immunonutrition
Primary Endpoints
Nutritional Status; Anthropometric Measurements
Study Period
2020-11-01 → 2022-02-10
NCT02530788 ↗
COMPLETEDPhase IIIn=21

High-dose Selenium Supplementation in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist

This planned pilot study is a monocentric, prospective, double-blind randomized and placebo controlled clinical study. The SOS-LVAD Trial can be assigned to the clinical Phase III. The aim of the present trial is to provide the scientific rationale for a large multicenter clinical trial, investigating the effects of perioperative high dose selenium supplementation in high-risk cardiac surgical pa

Study Interventions
Selenium Supplement (sodium selenite), Placebo
Primary Endpoints
Composite Outcome: independence from specific ICU procedures
Study Period
2015-08 → 2018-01
NCT07303088 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=52

Effects of L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Oxidative Stress in Tunisian Hemodialysis Patients.

The goal of this clinical trial was to learn if supplementation with L-carnitine or Coenzyme Q10 improves effectively the oxidative stress markers in adult patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. It was also to evaluate the basic oxidative profile of hemodialyzed patients and to learn about the safety and tolerability of the two supplements. The main questions it aimed to answer are: * Does tun

Study Interventions
Oral administration of L-carnitine 1000 Mg, Oral administration of Coenzyme Q10 300Mg, placebo capsules
Primary Endpoints
Oxidative stress parameters
Study Period
2024-06-17 → 2024-11-30
NCT01624792 ↗
COMPLETEDN/An=64

Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Protein Modulation to Induce Anabolism in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Aim 2

Loss of muscle protein is generally a central component of weight loss in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. Gains in muscle mass are difficult to achieve in COPD unless specific metabolic abnormalities are targeted. The investigators recently observed that alterations in protein metabolism are present in normal weight COPD patients. Elevated levels of protein synthesis and bre

Study Interventions
Olive oil, Fish oil, Fish oil and placebo
Primary Endpoints
Fractional muscle protein synthesis and breakdown rate (FSR and FBR) of mixed muscle protein (%/h) and net fractional muscle protein synthesis (nFSR = FSR - FBR)
Study Period
2011-10-25 → 2016-06-29
Research Compliance Notice

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. L-Glutathione is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 42044432) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.

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