Glutathione is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It is extensively studied for its role in cellular antioxidant systems, redox regulation, and protection against oxidative stress.
Antioxidant Research
Widely studied as an important component of cellular antioxidant defense systems.
Oxidative Stress
Investigated in research examining cellular responses to oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species.
Redox Regulation
Studied for its involvement in maintaining cellular redox balance and related biochemical pathways.
Cellular Research
Used in laboratory research exploring cellular defense, metabolism, and antioxidant mechanisms.
What glutathione is
Glutathione is a tripeptide — glutamate, cysteine, glycine — with one structural oddity that does all the work. The bond between glutamate and cysteine is a gamma linkage, formed through the glutamate side chain rather than the usual alpha carboxyl.
That single unusual bond is why glutathione survives in the cell at all: standard peptidases cut alpha bonds and cannot touch it. The cysteine thiol is the reactive part, cycling between the reduced form and the oxidised disulfide dimer.
A handling consequence
Because the reactive group is a thiol, glutathione is sensitive to oxidation in solution in a way that most short peptides are not. Solutions are best made fresh, and time in air is not neutral.
Storage
Sealed and lyophilised: refrigerated, protected from light. In solution: refrigerated, and treat time at room temperature as a cost. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw once reconstituted.
What ships, and what is on the certificate
The vial ships sealed as it was filled. Every compound in the catalogue is tested by an outside laboratory — Vanguard Laboratory in Olympia, Washington — and the certificate is published in full rather than summarised.
The certificate reports chromatographic purity by HPLC with the chromatogram visible, the measured quantity in milligrams, and an endotoxin result by LAL. Measured quantity usually reads slightly above the label, which is normal: fills are targeted high so every vial meets its stated content.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the gamma bond important?
It links glutamate through its side chain rather than the usual alpha carboxyl. Standard peptidases cut alpha bonds, so the gamma linkage is what lets glutathione persist in the cell.
What is the difference between reduced and oxidised glutathione?
The cysteine thiol is the reactive group. Reduced glutathione carries a free thiol; oxidised glutathione is the disulfide-linked dimer of two molecules.
How should it be reconstituted?
Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then let it dissolve without shaking. The reconstitution calculator will convert vial mass and water volume into a concentration and a syringe reading.
Does it come with a certificate of analysis?
Yes. Every compound is tested by an independent laboratory and the full certificate, chromatogram included, is published on the site rather than summarised.
Is this a medicine?
No. It is sold for in-vitro laboratory research use only. It is not a drug, supplement or cosmetic, and is not for human or veterinary use.
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