L-argotioneina

What Is L-Ergothioneine?

Ergothioneine, or EGT for short, is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid with a unique chemical structure. Initially, the ingredient was isolated from the ergot fungus in 1909. It is mainly found in certain fungi and bacteria. Ergothioneine is also found in human tissues and organs such as red blood cells, bone marrow, liver, kidneys, and eyes. However, the human body cannot synthesize it on its own and can only obtain it through diet. Mushrooms are the main dietary source.

Ergothioneine is known for its strong antioxidant properties, which can scavenge free radicals and chelate various divalent metal cations. It interacts with other natural antioxidant defense systems in the body. In addition, the ingredient has anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects. Therefore, it has been widely used in food, medicine, and cosmetics.

History Overview

1. In 1909, Ergothioneine was isolated from ergot.
2. In 1911, its structure was determined, and confirmed that this ingredient is a derivative of histidine betaine.
3. Due to poor research results, it was once considered inert to the human body for a long time in the middle.
4. In 2005, the exclusive transporter OCTN1 was discovered, bringing L-Ergothioneine back into the field of research.
5. In 2009, research proved its effectiveness for skin care.
6. In 2014, this ingredient was included in the “Catalogue of Used Cosmetic Raw Materials” issued by the China Food and Drug Administration.
7. In 2017, Europe approved it as a new food ingredient.
8. In 2019, it passed the GRAS certification of the US FDA. Japan launched functional food containing this ingredient.
9. In 2021, Japan approved its use in healthcare products and general food.

Since then, L-Ergothioneine has entered the public eye. Become one of the new ingredients that major brands worldwide are willing to use. Consumers and businesses are also starting to pay attention to the development of this ingredient.

Ergothioneine Sources From…

• Edible fungi. The precursor hercynine required for synthesizing ergothioneine can be produced in edible fungi such as Boletus edulis, mushrooms, and Coprinus comatus.
• Animal tissues. This ingredient is also present in certain tissues and organs of mammals, especially in red blood cells.

Sources for biological fermentation

The raw materials for producing ergothioneine by bio-fermentation usually include edible culture medium components. These components can be food-grade raw materials, such as carbon and nitrogen sources, and other nutrients to support the growth and metabolism of microorganisms to synthesize ergothioneine.

The technology developed by the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, screened a natural edible fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus, with high ergothioneine production. A liquid deep fermentation process for high-intensity accumulation of ergothioneine was established using edible culture medium components.

In addition, it was mentioned that the accumulation of ergothioneine in the fermentation broth can exceed 400 mg/L. The pilot test was completed in 300 L and 3000 L fermenters. It shows that the bio-fermentation method can use food-grade raw materials to produce ergothioneine by controlling fermentation conditions while ensuring the product’s safety and high added value.

Specifications Sheet Reference

Antioxidants Comparison: Ergothioneine VS Glutathione VS Astaxanthin VS Vitamin E

Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative. It is derived from histidine. The human body cannot synthesize it on its own, and it must be ingested through diet. Ergothioneine has strong antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that its ability to scavenge free radicals is 14 times that of glutathione. In addition, it has higher stability, such as being less prone to self-oxidation under physiological pH conditions.

It is mainly found in certain fungal foods, such as mushrooms, and is being studied for its potential health benefits as a nutritional supplement. In addition, as a “stress vitamin,” this ingredient is being studied for its potential applications in anti-aging, cell protection, and treatment of certain diseases. It is worth noting that the ergothioneine powder provided by Nutri Avenue is produced by biological fermentation. This manufacturing process can ensure the advantages of high stability, high purity, and large-scale powder production.

Glutathione is a small molecule peptide composed of glutamic acid, cysteine ​​, and glycine. The human body can synthesize it on its own. It is also a potent antioxidant, capable of scavenging various reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, and is involved in various metabolic processes within cells. However, this small molecule peptide may be more susceptible to oxidation under certain conditions. However, it has multiple functions within cells, including maintaining intracellular redox balance and participating in detoxification processes.

Unlike EGT, glutathione is relatively common in the market as a supplement. It is believed to help boost the immune system and promote health.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid. It is commonly found in marine organisms such as shrimp, crabs, and certain algae and has extremely strong antioxidant properties. This natural ingredient is known for its ability to quench singlet oxygen and scavenge free radicals. It also helps reduce the permeability of cell membranes, limiting the penetration of oxidants. Astaxanthin is particularly beneficial for skin health, reducing UV-induced skin damage and improving skin elasticity. It also has potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Astaxanthin is considered safe and can be used as a dietary supplement or cosmetic ingredient. It has also been studied quite extensively, especially for its potential benefits for skin beauty and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble vitamins, mainly including α, β, γ, δ tocopherols and tocotrienols. They are chromone derivatives with phenolic hydroxyl groups. Vitamin E is synthesized in plants, especially in high concentrations in vegetable oils. Humans ingest vitamin E by eating these foods. It mainly quenches lipid hydroperoxyl radicals, prevents lipid peroxidation, and protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. During storage and processing, this vitamin may gradually degrade due to light, heat, and rancidity.

Vitamin E is widely used in food, health products, and medicine. It is an antioxidant that prevents and treats vitamin E deficiency and protects cells.

What are the four generations of antioxidants?

• First Generation Antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, E
• Second-generation antioxidants: beta-carotene, SOD, CoQ10 (derivative changed to Idebenzyme)
• Third-generation antioxidants: glutathione GSH, flavonoids (Lutein), polyphenols (resveratrol), anthocyanins (OPC), grape seed, blueberry extract, green tea, alpha lipoic acid, lycopene Astaxanthin
• The fourth generation of antioxidants: glabridin, ectoine, carnosine, EUK134, fullerene

Antioxidant formulation reference for products

• Ergothioneine + Glutamyl Cysteine (glutathione precursor) + Vitamin C
• Ergothioneine + Glutathione + Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid + PQQ
• ecc.

The biological and pharmacological properties of ergothioneine are safe and stable. Therefore, adding this ingredient to a product can maintain the stability of other ingredients and promote the absorption of active ingredients by cells. It has a good synergy. It is a good partner for anti-oxidation.

Product cases: The US subsidiary Essenat Health, LLC specializes in the field of antioxidants. Vita ErgoTM specializes in ergothioneine products.

In addition, Estee Lauder, Dior, Elizabeth Arden, Givenchy, DHC, and other cosmetic brands have added this ingredient to their products.

How Does Factory Manufacture L-Ergothioneine Powder?

There are generally three production processes for this ingredient, namely fermentation, natural extraction, and chemical synthesis. Among them, the natural extraction method has a low yield and many impurities, and it is difficult to extract products with high purity. The synthetic route of the chemical synthesis method is long, and there are many by-products. And the cost is high. It is also difficult to obtain high-purity products.

Therefore, the fermentation method has become one of the mainstream directions for large-scale production of L-Ergothioneine powder at low cost. This process belongs to biotechnology and is safe.

Come funziona? 

• Effective for different organs.

EGT is a water-soluble amino acid molecule that can be delivered to red blood cells, bone marrow, liver, kidneys, eyes and other tissues and organs through the OCTN1 transporter.

• Enter the cell membrane.

EGT is a membrane-impermeable substance that requires specific transporters to enter cells. The OCTN1 transporter is distributed on the cell membranes of different tissues, especially in the kidney, trachea, bone marrow, and skeletal muscle. In addition, the mitochondria also contain OCTN1 protein, so EGT can enter the mitochondria to play an antioxidant role very easily.

L-Ergothioneine: Benefits, Side Effects, And More

For Skin Health

• Antioxidant effect

This ingredient is a powerful antioxidant. It can remove free radicals, whiten, anti-aging, anti-radiation, maintain DNA synthesis and normal cell growth, and other physiological functions.

• Anti-inflammatory and anti-acne

Studies have shown that it can be anti-inflammatory in skin cells, helping to reduce inflammation and acne.

• Anti-invecchiamento

Due to its high antioxidant capacity, it can delay aging, reduce or even prevent protein saccharification, improve facial contours, and prevent or improve the appearance of orange peel lines.

• Whitening effect

It can hinder pigmentation and deposition and whiten the skin.

• Sunscreen effect

It can minimize the formation of reactive oxygen species and protect cells from radiation damage. It can be added to cosmetics as a skin protectant for developing outdoor and protective skin care products.

• Synergistic effect

EGT can regulate the redox reaction in cells and participate in the energy regulation in cells. Combined with other ingredients, it can enhance the efficacy of other ingredients and achieve synergistic effects.

• Protect mitochondria

EGT can enter mitochondria and cell nuclei, protect mitochondria from oxidative damage, and directly remove reactive oxygen free radicals, thus removing aging factors from the root.

• Anti-photoaging

It is mainly anti-ultraviolet, inhibiting UV-induced peroxidation and inflammatory factor expression.

• Anti-glycation

It can reduce the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). It helps maintain skin elasticity and health.

• Prevent DNA damage

It helps prevent mitochondrial DNA damage and maintain cell function and skin health.

These properties of ergothioneine make it a popular ingredient in skincare products, especially anti-aging and sunscreen products.

Other Benefits

1. Eye protection
2. Salute cardiovascolare
3. Muscle repair
4. Treat inflammation
5. Prevent UV Damage
6. Prevent neurodegenerative diseases

Studies have shown that EGT can break through the blood-brain barrier, and can regulate neuronal differentiation, neurogenesis, and microglial activation, and can also prevent neurotoxicity caused by pathogenic proteins or chemicals. The latest research shows that long-term supplementation of EGT has a positive effect on the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Used For 5 Application Areas

• Skin care products: Mainly whitening, anti-wrinkle, anti-allergic, anti-acne, anti-aging and other effects. And protective skin care products.
• Supplements: Enhance immunity, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, assist in lowering blood sugar and other functional foods or drinks
• Drugs: It can treat inflammation, senile dementia, eye drops, and other drugs.
• Food: In 2017, the European Food Safety Authority used it as a new resource food in the diet of infants, pregnant women, and lactating women

Ergothioneine Dosage: 0.1%-1.0%

Ergothioneine Market Development Trend

Ergothioneine has gradually attracted market attention and has continuously optimized the process. In the next five years, the global production capacity and market demand are expected to continue to expand.

According to the forecast of Global Info Research, the global market size will reach 5 tons in 2027. According to the “Global and Chinese Ergothioneine Industry Development Status Survey and Investment Prospect Analysis Report,” the global L-ergothioneine market size will reach $53 million in 2026.

In recent years, researchers have become increasingly interested in this ingredient. Since 2011, more than 300 articles about L Ergothioneine have been published on PubMed. This figure exceeds the sum of data before 2000.

Nutri Avenue: Great Supplier To Buy Ergothioneine Powder Globally

Nutri Avenue is renowned as a leading global supplier of high-quality Ergothioneine Powder. We use a fermented method to produce it and ensure the powder’s purity is more than 99.9%. Our Ergothioneine Powder is favored by customers worldwide for its exceptional quality, making it a top choice for those seeking to incorporate this powerful antioxidant into health and skincare products.

Nutri Avenue’s dedication to customer satisfaction and its robust distribution network ensures a seamless purchasing experience, no matter where you are in the world.

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