Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine, containing a sulfhydryl group. It possesses antioxidant and detoxification properties. The sulfhydryl group on cysteine is the active group of glutathione (hence the abbreviation G-SH), which readily binds to certain drugs (such as acetaminophen) and toxins (such as free radicals, iodoacetic acid, mustard gas, and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic), thus exhibiting detoxification effects. Therefore, glutathione (especially glutathione in liver cells) can participate in biotransformation, converting harmful toxins in the body into harmless substances for excretion. Glutathione also helps maintain the normal function of the immune system.
Glutathione helps maintain the normal function of the immune system and possesses antioxidant and detoxification properties. The sulfhydryl group on cysteine is its active group (hence the abbreviation G-SH), which readily binds to certain drugs and toxins, giving it a detoxification effect. Glutathione can be used not only in pharmaceuticals but also as a base for functional foods, and is widely used in functional foods for delaying aging, enhancing immunity, and so on.