Glutathione (GSH) Research Guide: Master Antioxidant Mechanism & Data
What Is Glutathione?
Glutathione (GSH) is an endogenous tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, joined by an unusual gamma-peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine. Often called the body’s “master antioxidant,” it is one of the most studied intracellular redox molecules. In laboratory research, glutathione is used as a reference antioxidant and as a substrate in studies of oxidative stress, detoxification enzymology, and cellular redox balance.
Mechanism & Research Background
Glutathione’s reactivity derives from the free thiol (–SH) group on its cysteine residue. In its reduced form (GSH), it neutralizes reactive oxygen species and electrophiles, becoming oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in the process. The GSH/GSSG ratio is a widely used marker of cellular redox status. Glutathione also serves as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidases and glutathione-S-transferases, enzymes central to detoxification pathways, and participates in the regeneration of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
Because of these roles, GSH is frequently employed in in-vitro assays examining oxidative damage, mitochondrial function, and xenobiotic metabolism.
Technical Data
| Compound | Glutathione (reduced, GSH) |
| CAS Number | 70-18-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S |
| Molecular Weight | 307.32 g/mol |
| Sequence | γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Role | Thiol antioxidant / redox cofactor |
Handling & Storage
Store lyophilized glutathione at −20 °C, protected from light and air. The free thiol is susceptible to oxidation, so reconstituted solutions should be prepared fresh, kept cold, and used promptly; minimizing exposure to air and metal ions helps preserve the reduced form. Glutathione is readily soluble in water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is glutathione called the master antioxidant?
Because it is the most abundant intracellular thiol antioxidant and supports the function and regeneration of many other antioxidant systems.
What is the difference between GSH and GSSG?
GSH is the reduced, active form; GSSG is the oxidized dimer formed after GSH neutralizes reactive species. Their ratio indicates redox status.
Is glutathione a peptide?
Yes — it is a tripeptide, though its glutamate-cysteine bond is a gamma linkage rather than the standard alpha-peptide bond.
Buy Glutathione for Research
Zama Biosciences offers Glutathione 600mg for laboratory research. Related mitochondrial and longevity research compounds include SS-31 (Elamipretide) and NAD+. Browse the full Peptide Research Library for related mechanism guides.
Research Use Only. All products sold by Zama Biosciences are intended strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not for human or veterinary use, consumption, or diagnostic purposes. The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.