Ergothioneine (thiohistidine trimethyl salt, ergothioneine, EGT) is a compound discovered in 1909. It was originally found in a fungus Claviceps purpurea. The pure product is white crystals, water-soluble (0.9 mol/L can be dissolved at room temperature), and will not self-oxidize at physiological pH and in strong alkaline solutions. It exists in two isomers, namely thiol and thione, as shown in the right figure.

Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that can protect cells in the human body and is an important active substance in the body. Natural antioxidants are safe and non-toxic and have become a hot topic of research. As a natural antioxidant, ergothioneine has entered people's field of vision. It has multiple physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, detoxification, maintaining DNA biosynthesis, normal cell growth and cellular immunity.

PRODUCT USES

Used as a unique antioxidant

Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that is highly protective and non-toxic to cells. It is not easily oxidized in water, which allows them to reach a concentration of mmol in certain tissues and stimulate the natural antioxidant defense system of cells.

Used in organ transplantation

The amount and duration of existing tissue preservation play a decisive role in the success of organ transplantation surgery. Ergothioneine is just like an antioxidant that is stable in aqueous solution and can chelate heavy metal ions. It can be used as a substitute for glutathione in the field of organ protection to better protect transplanted organs.

Added to cosmetics as a skin protectant

Ultraviolet rays UVA in sunlight can penetrate into the dermis of human skin, affect the growth of epidermal cells, make surface cells old and dead, and cause premature aging of the skin, while ultraviolet rays UVB are more likely to cause skin cancer.

Application in ophthalmology

Ophthalmic surgery is generally performed locally, and the water solubility and stability of ergothioneine provide feasibility for such surgery and have great application value.

Application in other aspects

Due to its excellent performance, ergothioneine can be applied to many fields. For example, it can be used in the fields of medicine, food, health care products, and cosmetics. In the field of medicine, it can be used to treat inflammation, etc., and can be made into tablets, capsules, oral preparations, etc. In the field of health care products, it can prevent the occurrence of cancer, etc., and can be made into functional foods, functional drinks, etc. In the field of cosmetics, it can be used to resist aging, and can be made into sunscreens, etc.