Ergothioneine

Chemical Properties: Ergothioneine, also known as 2-mercapto-L-histidine betaine, is a white crystalline substance in its pure form. It is water-soluble and does not auto-oxidize at physiological pH or in strong alkaline solutions. It exists in two isomeric forms: thiol and thione.

Sources: In nature, ergothioneine is primarily found in rare fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) and Tricholoma matsutake (Matsutake mushroom). It is also present in certain tissues and organs of mammals, such as red blood cells and the semen of some animals, and has been detected in cereal plants.

Physiological Functions

Antioxidant Effects: Ergothioneine is a potent antioxidant capable of scavenging various free radicals in the body, such as -OH and hypochlorous acid. It can also chelate divalent iron and copper ions, preventing the formation of -OH from H₂O₂ in the presence of these ions. Its antioxidant activity operates at the DNA level, effectively protecting mitochondria from free radical damage and thereby safeguarding DNA. Its antioxidant capacity is 3 times that of idebenone, 14 times that of glutathione, and 30 times that of coenzyme Q10.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Ergothioneine can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, such as peroxynitrite-mediated amino acid oxidation, and reduce the generation of inflammatory factors like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). It also promotes the production of anti-inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-10 (IL-10).

Cytoprotective Effects: Ergothioneine protects cells from damage caused by hypoxia, ischemia, and inflammation, maintaining normal cellular functions. It regulates calcium ion homeostasis, reducing intracellular calcium ion concentration; modulates mitochondrial function, enhancing mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and energy production; promotes autophagy, clearing cellular waste and damaged materials; and inhibits apoptotic signaling pathways, reducing the incidence of cell apoptosis.

Detoxification Effects: Ergothioneine can bind with heavy metals and toxic chemicals to form stable complexes, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body. It is beneficial in preventing and treating heavy metal poisoning and drug toxicity.

Immunomodulatory Effects: Ergothioneine enhances T-cell activity, promotes the production and release of cytokines, regulates B-cell proliferation and antibody production, and strengthens the body's immune response. It also modulates the differentiation and function of immune cells, promotes immune tolerance, and reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Neuroprotective Effects: Ergothioneine can cross the blood-brain barrier, enter brain cells, and protect neurons from damage, maintaining normal neurological function. It shows potential in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.