“The Longevity Vitamin” – Ergothioneine
Explore the benefits of Ergothioneine, a potent anti-aging and antioxidant amino acid, for skin health and cognitive function enhancement.
You might not know that the human body begins to age starting from the age of 25. Adopting anti-aging measures early has become a new consumer awareness and behavior. Platforms such as TikTok, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu offer numerous channels to “seed” awareness, giving consumers more opportunities to learn about and access anti-aging products, sparking a nationwide craze for anti-aging.
Ergothioneine, due to its potent antioxidant capabilities and anti-inflammatory activity, is considered a type of “longevity vitamin,” playing a significant role in biological survival and the deceleration of aging.
What is Ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine (EGT) is an antioxidative amino acid discovered in 1909 by French pharmacist Charles Tanret during his study of ergot fungi that infect rye grains.
There are natural L (left-handed) and D (right-handed) isomers of ergothioneine, with L-EGT being the active form, while the D form has low or no activity. Humans cannot synthesize EGT themselves; it must be obtained through diet. Common foods such as mushrooms are rich sources of EGT, including varieties like porcini, shiitake, and lion’s mane mushrooms.
What Does Ergothioneine Do?
Like a house that deteriorates if not regularly maintained, the body ages and weakens. However, with proper repairs and renovations, the lifespan of the house can be extended. Eliminating free radicals and antioxidation can address skin issues at their root, as confirmed by numerous scientific studies. EGT stands out among many active ingredients by providing robust antioxidative protection to the skin, enhancing its barrier function.
Dr. Bruce Ames, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, cancer and anti-aging expert, and professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of California, has named ergothioneine a “longevity nutrient.”
Research by Dr. B.D. Paul at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that EGT is the only natural antioxidant that effectively penetrates mitochondria and cell nuclei. It targets the primary sites of free radical production within cells, especially mitochondria, protecting them from oxidative damage and directly eliminating reactive oxygen species, thereby addressing aging factors at their source. EGT is readily absorbed by the human body and offers sustained antioxidative effects.
Scientific studies indicate that EGT’s anti-aging properties are primarily seen in its antioxidative, anti-photoaging, and mitochondrial protective effects, which also translate to protection against UV damage, elimination of free radicals, and reduction of wrinkles.
Current Applications of Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine has seen cross-industry applications in cosmetics, food, functional foods, and biomedicine. According to a study by QYResearch, the global market for ergothioneine was approximately 130 million yuan in 2021 and is expected to reach 1.1 billion yuan by 2028, indicating its high potential as an anti-aging ingredient.
In the cosmetics sector, particularly in the US and Europe, EGT is considered a fifth-generation antioxidant and is used in various major brands. In China, since 2014, EGT has been included in the national list of cosmetic ingredients, further deepening research and application.
EGT has yet to be applied in foods in China, but its use has expanded to the food sector in the West and Japan. Additionally, L-EGT solutions have demonstrated effective food preservation properties.
Safety of Ergothioneine
To date, toxicological studies on EGT have not identified any adverse effects. Current population intervention studies suggest that EGT is an independent marker associated with lower risks of heart metabolic diseases and mortality. Increased consumption of mushrooms rich in EGT correlates with better cognitive function and a lower likelihood of mild cognitive impairment, with no unsafe applications reported so far.
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