Research compendium
Glutathione: research reference
Glutathione is a tripeptide with a gamma-peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine, followed by glycine. In preclinical models, its free thiol group neutralizes reactive oxygen species and functions as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidases and transferases. It has been studied in models of cellular redox state in in vitro studies.
What is established and what remains a hypothesis
Keep source limits and editorial status visible. A proposed mechanism should not be presented as a confirmed property in every context.
- Is the source the original work, a review or a later interpretation?
- Has the observation been reproduced under independent conditions?
- Does the material defined in the paper match the entity named in this entry?
Mechanism described in the literature
The reduced/oxidized glutathione pair defines a substantial part of the intracellular redox potential in cellular models. The gamma bond protects it from degradation by common peptidases, as described in research literature.
Declared technical information
The purity value is a product-label specification, not an assay result. A batch result can only be asserted from that batch’s certificate.
| Field | Declared value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine |
| Sequence | gamma-Glu-Cys-Gly |
| Molecular formula | C10H17N3O6S |
| Molecular weight | 307.32 Da |
| CAS number | 70-18-8 |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Purity specification | Declared in the batch certificate |
| Identity | Declared in the batch certificate |
| Solubility | Soluble in sterile water and bacteriostatic water |
| Storage | −20 °C, protected from light |
| Stability after reconstitution | Keep refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within the period defined by the laboratory protocol |
Catalog names and search terms
These names help identify the catalog entry. A descriptive label is not evidence of efficacy, and structural identity still requires appropriate documentation.
- Glutathione
- GSH
- L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine
Catalog classification
Redox tripeptide
Laboratory handling
Reconstitution: Laboratory procedure: allow the closed vial to reach room temperature, disinfect the septum and slowly transfer the diluent against the inner wall of the vial. Do not shake; gently swirl the vial until fully dissolved. Record the volume, diluent and date in the batch log.
Storage: Sealed vial of lyophilized material: store at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted material; aliquot when the experimental design permits.
Personal protective equipment: Handle in a clean work area with a lab coat, nitrile gloves and eye protection. Dispose of vials, tips and sharps according to the laboratory waste procedure.
Questions and answers
How is Glutathione supplied?
Glutathione is supplied in a sealed vial containing the quantity indicated for the selected variant, with its batch identifier printed on the label.
How is Glutathione stored in the laboratory?
Store the closed vial at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. See the laboratory handling section of this page for the complete procedure.
Sources
- Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis — Mol Aspects Med (2009); PMID 18796312; DOI 10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006
- Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis — Mol Aspects Med (2009); PMID 18796312; DOI 10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006
- Glutathione synthesis — Biochim Biophys Acta (2013); PMID 22995213; DOI 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.09.008
- Glutathione synthesis — Biochim Biophys Acta (2013); PMID 22995213; DOI 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.09.008
- Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione — Eur J Nutr (2015); PMID 24791752; DOI 10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z
- Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione — Eur J Nutr (2015); PMID 24791752; DOI 10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z
- Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation — Am J Clin Nutr (2011); PMID 21795440; DOI 10.3945/ajcn.110.003483
- Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation — Am J Clin Nutr (2011); PMID 21795440; DOI 10.3945/ajcn.110.003483