1.What is Glutathione?
Definition:
Glutathione is a tripeptide compound made up of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine. Multiple oxidation-reduction processes occur in our body, and glutathione acts as a coenzyme and an antioxidant to prevent cell damage. It also helps detoxify the body by excreting substances such as mercury out of cells and regenerating essential vitamins in the body, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Glutathione also plays a role in skin lightening.
Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are a few of the many diseases for which glutathione is used.
It is produced by different pharmaceutical companies worldwide. It is available in capsules taken orally, topical creams, and intravenously by different suppliers.
Chemical & Physical Features:
Molecular formula: C10H17N3O6S
Molecular weight: 307.33
CAS number: 70-18-8
DrugBank Accession Number: DB00143
IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-amino-5-[[(2R)-1-(carboxymethylamino)-1-oxo-3-sulfanylpropan-2-yl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid
Synonyms: Glutathione, Glutathione-SH, Reduced glutathione
Melting point: 195 °C
Boiling point: 754.5 °C
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, insoluble in methanol and diethyl ether
Half-life: 10 minutes
Safety Profile: Controversial information regarding intravenous injections, while topical applications are considered safe.
Brand Name:
Gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, GSH, L-glutathione, N-(N-L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl) glycine
2.Glutathione forms and specifications:
L-glutathione API powder
Seller: Herbo Nutra, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
CAS Number: 70-18-8
API form: Powder
Color: White
Country of origin: China
The industrial use of this powder supplied in a 10 kg bag is manufacturing effervescent tablets while combining it with other chemicals using different sorts of equipment. Customers buy it from suppliers for multiple reasons, such as preventing liver diseases, skin whitening, anti-aging, etc.
Glutathione injections
Glutathione is metabolized quickly by the digestive system, so the drug is effective when administered in the form of injections. Pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies recommend intravenous injections containing 600-1200 mg of the drug administered once or twice a week for its skin-lightening effects.
Glutathione is also injected intramuscularly to treat male infertility. It is considered a solution for toxicity associated with chemotherapy when given with it.
L-glutathione reduced 98%
Glutathione exists in both oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) forms. The enzyme responsible for converting GSSG to GSH is glutathione reductase with NADPH as the coenzyme in the reaction. The ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH: GSSG) is more than 100 in healthy cells.
GSH is found in the form of white crystalline powder and stored at 2-8°C.
L-glutathione oxidized (GSSG)
When two reduced glutathione molecules are bonded together at the sulfur atoms, oxidized glutathione is formed, as shown in the figure below:
Therefore, it is also known as glutathione disulfide.
CAS Number: 23054-47-5
Molecular formula: C20H32N6O12S2
Molecular weight: 612.63
IUPAC Name: (2S,2′S)-5,5′-(Disulfanediylbis{(2R)-3-[(carboxymethyl)amino]-3-oxopropane-1,2-diyl})bis(2-amino-5-oxopentanoic acid)
Melting point: 170 - 172°C
S-acetyl glutathione
It is one of the derivatives of GSH and more stable in plasma. When taken up by cells, it is converted to GSH by thioesterases. It also increases the levels of GSH in patients with glutathione synthetase deficiency, and at a 5 mM concentration, aids in apoptosis in Daudi, Raji, and Jurkat lymphoma cells.
CAS Number: 3054-47-5
Molecular formula: C12H19N3O7S
Molecular weight: 349.36
IUPAC Name: 5-[[3-acetylsulfanyl-1-(carboxymethylamino)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-2-amino-5-oxopentanoic acid
Form: Crystalline solid
Storage temperature: -20°C
To receive maximum benefits, it is advised to take two capsules orally per day or according to the recommendation of your physician.
Liposomal glutathione
When glutathione undergoes a process that encapsulates it inside a lipid core, it is known as liposomal glutathione. This helps in faster absorption. It is available in soft gels or capsules as oral supplements increase the intracellular levels of GSH.
It is supposed to be taken on an empty stomach and 10 minutes before a meal. The price range is variable for different suppliers.
Nano glutathione
Nanoformulations of products make the compound more stable and soluble. According to studies, it increases the concentration of GSH when taken orally and is available in liquid form.
It is advised to place 1 ml product under the tongue and then swallow after 90 seconds to get effective results.
Glutathione cream
It is a 50 ml container containing various products, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, along with glutathione. When applied topically, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the face and whitens the skin.
According to studies, a 2% GSSG lotion by Cathy Chemical Industry Co, Ltd (Osaka, Japan) effectively reduced the skin melanin index and smoothening the skin and increasing its moisture content.
3.Mechanism of action of Glutathione
Reduced glutathione plays a role in the synthesis of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators present in the human body.
The liver is the one location in the human body that contains the highest content of GSH, where it destroys free radicals and helps in detoxification processes. Many lipophilic products in the body need glutathione to help them become hydrophilic before undergoing excretion by the biliary system. This is how toxic chemicals in the body get detoxified. Intracellularly, it helps in reducing antioxidants such as ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, and others.
Reduced glutathione binds to n-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), and the resulting product is excreted.
4.Glutathione manufacturing process
The industrial manufacturing of different glutathione products includes culturing Saccharomyces cerevisiae in suitable conditions, after which it is activated. To increase the quantity of GSH, the process is aided by the additional fermentation of amino acids.
5. Glutathione benefits
There is much different information regarding the benefits of this product.
Liver
Glutathione plays a role in several redox reactions in the body and acts as a potent antioxidant. Therefore, positive effects have been reported in patients with fatty liver disease and hepatitis, including an increase in bilirubin levels and enzymes in the blood.
Antioxidant and detoxifier
It also binds to foreign toxic products in our bodies. It helps to remove free radicals, preventing cells from oxidative damage. An example is the conjugation of acetaminophen, which can otherwise lead to liver damage.
Moreover, alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde in the human body. Glutathione breaks it down into water and carbon dioxide, which are then excreted in the urine.
Skin
Intravenous and topical products of glutathione have proved to be effective for skin-lightening. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase involved in melanin formation. Although recommended for hyperpigmentation on some parts of the face, the FDA has deemed unsafe, and other options are preferred.
6.Glutathione dosage
The dosage is variable for different diseases:
In chemotherapy: 600 mg IM injection on days 2-5 of chemotherapy
For male infertility: 600 mg IM injection on alternate days for 2 months
Cystic fibrosis: 65 mg/day orally divided into 3 doses, for 6 months
Parkinson's disease: 1400 mg IV injection thrice a week, for 4 weeks
7.Glutathione side effects
Flushing and weight loss were seen in different studies when glutathione is given intravenously. Topical applications might cause rash and hypopigmentation. Overall, the data on its side effects are is somewhat controversial.
However, adverse effects such as peptic ulcers, reduction in zinc levels, and an increased risk for melanoma are possible.
8.Glutathione API price
$218/kg
9.Glutathione API manufacturers in china
Below are some manufacturers who are professional in making API active product ingredient.
Zhejiang Hisun Pharma. Co., Ltd.
While being one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in China, it supplies a wide range of antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs. The company completed 60 years of its existence in 2020 and collaborated with other related companies to explore more in the field.
Address: No. 46, Waisha Road, Jiaojiang District, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province
Contact no.: +86-576-88827989
Shandong Jincheng pharmaceutical group co., LTD.
The company was founded in 2004 and had glutathione among its most sold products. Its products are exported to more than ten countries in Europe and Asia.
Address: No. 1, Shuangshan Road, Zichuan Economic Development Zone, Zibo City, Shandong Province
Contact no.: 86 533-5439098
Kaiping Genuine Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
The company first produced glutathione in 2014. The company exports its products to Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Address: No.1, Xinke Road, Shatang Town, Kaiping, Guangdong Province, P.R.China
Contact no.: 0086-0750-2881198
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10.FAQ:
What is the market size of glutathione?
In 2020, the global market size of glutathione was more than 195 million USD.
References:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/glutathione-definition-uses-benefits-more/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glutathione
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutathione
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http://www.jinchengpharm.com/about.html
https://www.exporthub.com/kaiping-genuine-biochemical-pharmaceutical-co-ltd-1470217/
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