Ergothioneine is a sulfur-based amino acid. Amino acids are important compounds that help the body build proteins.Ergothioneine is a derivative of the amino acid histidine synthesized in nature by various bacteria and fungi. It occurs in most types of mushrooms with naturally high amounts detected in oyster, porcini, portobello, white button and shiitake types. Red beans, black beans, garlic and oat bran are other food sources, but a bio-identical form can be lab-synthesized and has proven to be safe.Ergothioneine is a derivative of the amino acid histidine synthesized in nature by various bacteria and fungi. It occurs in most types of mushrooms with naturally high amounts detected in oyster, porcini, portobello, white button and shiitake types. Red beans, black beans, garlic and oat bran are other food sources, but a bio-identical form can be lab-synthesized and has proven to be safe.
Benifits of Ergothioneine
1. Support Cognitive Function
Ergothioneine levels decrease as we get older. An observational study found that elderly test subjects suffering from mild memory problems associated with aging had lower ergothioneine levels than those with no impairment.
2.A Treasure Trove of Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a vital role in countering oxidative stress. To function properly, our bodies need antioxidants to balance out highly reactive free radicals. When there are not enough antioxidants in our bodies, reactive free radicals can wreak havoc on our health.The ergothioneine antioxidant will actively seek out and neutralize a wide range of free radicals to help protect from oxidative stress.
3.Potential Healthy Aging Benefits
Ergothioneine’s antioxidant benefits are not just for internal health but external beauty as well. UV radiation from the sun causes significant changes to our skin structure throughout our lifetime, and not just from sunburns. Everyday exposure to UV light causes “photoaging,” or premature aging of the skin, characterized by wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration — outcomes that everyone wants to avoid.Ergothioneine may have dermatoprotective effects, helping protect against accelerated aging caused by UV light exposure. Ergothioneine could be used to create new skincare lotions or healthier sunscreen products
Applications of Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine (EGT) is an amino acid that is found mainly in mushrooms, as well as red and black beans. It is also found in animals that have eaten grasses containing ergothioneine. Ergothioneine is sometimes used as medicine.
Ergothioneine(EGT) is a natural chiral amino-acid antioxidant biosynthesized in certain bacteria and fungi. It is an important bioactive compound which has been used as a radical scavenger, an ultraviolet ray filter, a regulator of oxidation-reduction reactions and cellular bioenergetics, and a physiological cytoprotector, etc.