Understanding Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is a rare natural amino acid with strong antioxidant properties, synthesized by actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, certain fungi (such as Streptomyces and Mycobacterium), and mushrooms. Animals (including humans) and plants cannot synthesize ergothioneine on their own. Plants can absorb microbially synthesized ergothioneine from the soil through their roots, while animals can obtain and accumulate ergothioneine from their diet.

The unique physicochemical properties and specific distribution of ergothioneine make its stability significantly superior to that of typical antioxidants. Its antioxidant capacity is comparable to well-known antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid. Ergothioneine exerts its powerful free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant effects by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) both in vitro and in vivo, including binding free electrons to hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorite, singlet oxygen, and peroxynitrite. Mitochondria are the organelles that generate the majority of ROS in the body, and ergothioneine is able to protect mitochondrial DNA and other components from damage caused by ROS generated during inflammation.↳

Ergothioneine can effectively inhibit the activation of the NF-κB gene and reduce the release of inflammatory factors such as IL-8. Additionally, ergothioneine can suppress the expression of genes induced by 7-ketocholesterol, including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, IL-8, and IL-6, while enhancing COX-2 enzyme activity to reduce inflammation.

The physiological effects of ergothioneine, along with its physicochemical properties, determine its broad application prospects in

industries such as food, functional foods, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its excellent water solubility, stability, and

other unique characteristics give ergothioneine advantages in formulation preparation, storage, and intestinal absorption.