What is the richest source of ergothioneine?
What Is Ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural, stable sulfur-containing amino acid. It was first isolated by Charles Tanret from Claviceps purpurea in 1909 and named after the fungus. EGT is widely present in microbial cells, animals and plants, and is found in high concentrations in foods such as mushrooms, black beans, red beans, and oats. EGT is also found in various cells and tissues of the human body, and is abundant in red blood cells, bone marrow, liver, kidneys, semen, and the lens and cornea of the eye. EGT can be synthesized in microorganisms such as mycobacteria, but the human body cannot synthesize EGT on its own and needs to be ingested through diet and accumulated in the body.
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring cell protector and antioxidant in the human body. It can both remove free radicals in cells and reverse oxidized VC in cells. It is now a popular anti-aging star ingredient.
What Are The Functions Of Ergothioneine?
1.Antioxidant effect
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a powerful antioxidant that can remove free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative damage. Compared with VC and VE, EGT's antioxidant effect is more powerful. First, because EGT's antioxidant effect is at the DNA level, it can effectively protect mitochondria from free radical damage, thereby protecting DNA from damage. Secondly, its ability to remove free radicals is 3 times that of idebenone, 14 times that of glutathione, and 30 times that of Coenzyme Q10.
2.Detoxification effect
Ergothioneine can combine with heavy metals, toxic chemicals, etc. to form stable complexes, thereby helping to eliminate toxins in the body. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of heavy metal poisoning, drug poisoning, etc.
3.Cell protection effect
Ergothioneine can protect cells from damage such as hypoxia, ischemia, and inflammation, and maintain the normal function of cells. Ergothioneine can reduce the damage to the skin from ultraviolet rays, radiation from computer electronic products and other light sources, effectively resist photoaging, minimize the formation of reactive oxygen species, and protect cells from radiation and UVA damage.
4.Immunomodulatory effect
Ergothioneine can regulate the function of immune cells and improve the body's immunity. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, etc.
5.Anti-inflammatory effect
Ergothioneine can inhibit inflammatory reactions and reduce inflammatory damage. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and enteritis.
6.Neuroprotective effect
Ergothioneine can protect nerve cells from damage and maintain normal nerve function. This is helpful for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
What Is The Application Of Ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is suitable for the food industry, cosmetics industry and pharmaceutical industry.
The application of ergothioneine in the food industry is mainly reflected in its natural antioxidant properties, which can effectively extend the shelf life of food, prevent food oxidation and deterioration, and improve the quality and safety of food. For example, adding ergothioneine to foods such as edible oils, candies, chocolates, and beverages can enhance the antioxidant properties of these foods and maintain their freshness and taste. It can also be widely used in various health products. It not only provides antioxidant protection, but also enhances immunity and delays aging.
In the cosmetics industry, it is widely used in skin care products, makeup and other products to help consumers achieve younger and healthier skin. The ultraviolet UVA in the sun can penetrate into the dermis of human skin, affect the growth of epidermal cells, make the surface cells old and die, and cause premature aging of the skin, while ultraviolet UVB is more likely to cause skin cancer. Ergothioneine can minimize the formation of reactive oxygen and protect cells from radiation damage. Therefore, ergothioneine can be added to certain cosmetics as a skin protectant for the development of outdoor skin care products and protective cosmetics.
In the field of medicine, the biological activity of ergothioneine gives it a wide range of application prospects. As a natural antioxidant, it can be used to prevent and treat a variety of diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. In addition, ergothioneine also has a variety of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, which plays an auxiliary role in the treatment of certain diseases.