L-(+)-Ergothioneine: Introduction; Source and Benefits

Introduction of L-(+)-Ergothioneine

L-(+)-Ergothioneine (ET) is a sulphur-containing amino acid produced by actinomycetes of the genus Actinomycetes and non-yeast-like fungi and is a safe and stable antioxidant. It is found in animals and plants and can be found in plant and animal tissues when excessive oxidative stress occurs. It has the ability to scavenge free radicals and protect cells from UV-induced ROS. It also regulates oxidative damage in the liver and kidney and is protective against lipid peroxidation. It is also responsible for the preservation of endogenous glutathione and alpha tocopherol, preventing gamma and UV radiation from producing anti-aging effects. It is currently used in tests for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as a positive control for solute carrier protein 22 A4 (SLC22A4) transporter assays, and for the detection of protective functions against lipid peroxidation formation.

Source of L-(+)-Ergothioneine

L-(+)-Ergothioneine is found mainly in mushrooms and in red and black beans. It is also found in animals that consume grasses containing ergothioneine. Mushrooms contain by far the largest amount of ergothioneine. The levels of ergothioneine in mushrooms are shown in the table below:

Benefits of L-(+)-Ergothioneine

Some studies have shown that higher levels of ergothioneine in the blood are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and death from heart disease. However, it is not clear whether eating more ergothioneine-containing foods or taking ergothioneine supplements will prevent heart disease or death. In addition, ergothioneine levels decrease with age. One observational study found that older test subjects with mild memory problems associated with aging had lower ergothioneine levels than subjects without impairment. Ergothioneine may have a skin-protective effect, helping to prevent accelerated ageing caused by ultraviolet radiation. Ergothioneine also appears to have the potential to protect our cardiovascular system and brain from the effects of aging.

References:

[1] GRÜNDEMANN D. The ergothioneine transporter controls and indicates ergothioneine activity–a review.[J]. Preventive medicine, 2012, 54 Suppl: S71-4. DOI:10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.12.001.