Ergothioneine, also known as ergothioneine acid or thiolhistidine methyl ester, is a rare chiral amino acid antioxidant found in nature. It is abundant in various plants, animals, especially in mushrooms and certain mammalian cells and tissues. Due to its exceptional antioxidant properties and natural safety, ergothioneine has been widely utilized in multiple industries such as food, health supplements, and cosmetics. Let's delve deeper into the efficacy and functions of ergothioneine.
1. Antioxidant Effects
Ergothioneine serves as a powerful natural antioxidant, effectively neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Free radicals are harmful substances produced during the body's metabolic processes, capable of damaging vital structures like cell membranes and DNA, accelerating cell aging and death. By scavenging these free radicals, ergothioneine enhances the body's antioxidant capacity, thereby delaying aging and resisting diseases.
2. Cellular Protection
Ergothioneine exhibits high cellular protective properties, resisting the inactivating effects caused by hypochlorous acid and shielding cells from harm. Hypochlorous acid, a common disinfectant ingredient, can also inflict damage on cells. As a potent hypochlorous acid scavenger, ergothioneine efficiently protects cells from its detrimental effects.
3. Skin Improvement
Ergothioneine finds extensive application in the cosmetics industry. As an active ingredient in skincare products, it can be applied topically to the skin, offering protective and anti-oxidative benefits. It hinders pigment formation and deposition, brightening the skin tone. Additionally, it reduces or even prevents protein glycation, thus preventing age-related loss of skin elasticity, improving facial contours, and preventing or minimizing the appearance of cellulite. Regular use of skincare products containing ergothioneine can also moisturize the skin, preventing dryness.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Ergothioneine suppresses the amino acid oxidation mediated by peroxynitrite, such as tyrosine nitration, presenting a viable option for treating inflammation. In inflammatory diseases like ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, acute pneumonia, and sepsis, ergothioneine exerts anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammatory responses and protecting the body from inflammatory damage.
5. Other Biological Functions
Besides the aforementioned primary efficacies and functions, ergothioneine may possess several other biological roles. For instance, it can serve as a transporter for cations and carbon dioxide, participating in bodily metabolic processes. It may also regulate thyroid and anti-thyroid actions, maintaining endocrine system balance. Additionally, ergothioneine might modulate histamine or antihistamine actions and exhibit cholinergic or anti-parasympathetic physiological effects.
Overall, ergothioneine, as a natural antioxidant, possesses diverse and significant biological functions. Whether in food, health supplements, or cosmetics, ergothioneine plays an indispensable role. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the growing pursuit of healthy living, the future applications of ergothioneine are expected to be even more extensive.