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No. 042 · Longevity & Immune · Antioxidant

Glutathione

GSHReduced glutathioneγ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine

A Tier A · Controlled human trials how tiers work →
  • Not FDA approved
  • WADA — not listed
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3 residues C10H17N3O6S
S H O O O H O O H O N H N 2 H N H

2D structure from PubChem CID 124886 (Glutathione), matched by molecular formula. Hydrogens on carbon are implied.

Glutathione sequence fingerprint
  • Nonpolar 1
  • Polar 1
  • Modified / non-standard 1

Each dot is a residue placed around the ring from N- to C-terminus; its distance from the centre reflects its chemistry.

01

Quick answers

What is Glutathione?
The body's main antioxidant tripeptide, γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine (the glutamate is linked through its side-chain γ-carboxyl, not a normal peptide bond), critical for detoxification, immune function, and cellular redox balance.
How strong is the evidence for Glutathione?
Tier A (controlled human trials) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Randomized controlled trials exist, e.g. a 6-month RCT of oral glutathione that raised the body’s glutathione stores (Richie 2015). Not an FDA-approved drug.
Is Glutathione FDA-approved?
No. Glutathione is not approved by the FDA for any use.
Is Glutathione banned in sport?
No. Glutathione is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
How does Glutathione work?
Glutathione (gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine) is the principal intracellular thiol antioxidant that directly neutralizes ROS and reactive nitrogen species via its sulfhydryl group. It serves as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase enzymes, driving Phase II hepatic detoxification.
What is known about the safety of Glutathione?
Endogenous molecule with a well-established safety profile. IV glutathione widely used in integrative medicine.

Last reviewed · editorial policy · markdown

02

Evidence

  1. D In vitro
  2. C Animal
  3. B Human pilot
  4. A RCT
  5. S Approved

TIER A — At least one published randomized controlled trial in humans.

Randomized controlled trials exist, e.g. a 6-month RCT of oral glutathione that raised the body’s glutathione stores (Richie 2015). Not an FDA-approved drug.

Tiers rate the strength of published evidence — not effectiveness, safety, or a recommendation.

03

At a glance

Residues
3 amino acids, N→C
Molecular weight
307.3 Da
Formula
C10H17N3O6S
Routes studied
Intravenous, Oral, Subcutaneous Routes used in published research
FDA
Not approved
WADA
Not on the Prohibited List
04

Sequence

N → C · 3 residues · hover, tap, or use arrow keys to inspect

Note Glutamate is linked through its side-chain γ-carboxyl group, not the usual α-carboxyl, which makes glutathione resistant to most peptidases.

05

Overview

The body's main antioxidant tripeptide, γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine (the glutamate is linked through its side-chain γ-carboxyl, not a normal peptide bond), critical for detoxification, immune function, and cellular redox balance. Supplemented via IV, oral liposomal, or nebulized routes.

Research status Endogenous molecule with extensive published research; randomized controlled trials of oral supplementation (e.g. Richie 2015); not an FDA-approved drug

06

Mechanism

Glutathione (gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine) is the principal intracellular thiol antioxidant that directly neutralizes ROS and reactive nitrogen species via its sulfhydryl group. It serves as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase enzymes, driving Phase II hepatic detoxification. The GSH/GSSG redox couple maintains cellular redox homeostasis critical for immune cell function.

07

Effects reported in research

Reported outcomes, not promises. Some come from controlled human trials; others may be from smaller or preclinical studies — check the studies below.

  • Neutralization of reactive oxygen species
  • Phase II liver detoxification support
  • Immune cell function optimization
  • Skin brightening and anti-aging effects
08

Safety & unknowns

Endogenous molecule with a well-established safety profile. IV glutathione widely used in integrative medicine. Oral bioavailability is limited unless liposomal. Rare side effects: bloating (oral), mild discomfort (IV). Generally considered very safe. Widely available as a supplement.

Unknowns. Trial safety data apply to the populations, formulations and conditions studied.

Informational only — not medical advice. peptidemeta publishes no dosing, protocols, or sourcing. Talk to a qualified clinician about any treatment decision.

09

Studies [2]

  1. Clinical trial 2015

    Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione

    Richie JP Jr, Nichenametla S, Neidig W, et al. European Journal of Nutrition

    6-month placebo-controlled RCT in which oral glutathione raised glutathione levels in blood and buccal cells in a dose- and time-dependent way; levels returned to baseline after a 1-month washout.

    [pubmed] [doi]

  2. Review 2009

    Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis

    Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Molecular Aspects of Medicine

    Review of glutathione biochemistry covering its antioxidant and detoxification roles, how it is measured, and how it is synthesized.

    [pubmed] [doi]

11

Status sources

Sources behind the tier, regulatory status, sequence and dates on this page.

12

Cite this entry

$ cite --format=apa

peptidemeta. (2026). Glutathione. In peptidemeta: The peptide library, ranked by evidence. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://peptidemeta.com/p/glutathione/

$ cite --format=bibtex 
@misc{peptidemeta-glutathione,
  title = {Glutathione},
  author = {{peptidemeta}},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://peptidemeta.com/p/glutathione/}},
  note = {Accessed 2026-11-08}
}

Accessed date reflects when you opened this page. Cite primary studies for scientific claims.

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