Glutathione

Glutathione is a tripeptide antioxidant produced in every cell. Research examines its role in redox defense, detoxification pathways, and immune function. It is categorized under longevity research and also has a Foundation crossover because of the immune function work. CoreX supplies glutathione for laboratory research use only, and the published literature includes cell, animal, and small human studies as well as several reviews.

Research describes glutathione cycling between reduced and oxidized states to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated by normal metabolism. It is also studied as a conjugation substrate in phase II detoxification, the pathways that prepare compounds for clearance from the body. These two roles, redox cycling and detoxification, form the basis of most mechanistic discussion of the molecule in the research literature.

Randomized controlled trials have examined whether oral glutathione, including a liposomal form, raises body stores of glutathione, and one study reported changes in markers of immune function. A substantial body of work has studied glutathione in skin pigmentation and melasma, including a controlled trial combining L-cystine with reduced glutathione. Animal research has examined UVB-induced melanogenesis and oxidative stress, and a review has discussed glutathione in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Human safety data for subcutaneous glutathione are limited. Narrative and systematic reviews have examined the safety and efficacy of glutathione supplementation for skin lightening, and one review frames the topic in terms of facts, myths, evidence, and controversies, indicating that conclusions remain mixed. Specific adverse event rates are not summarized in the cited studies, so the safety profile should be regarded as incompletely characterized.

Research protocols have used 200–600 mg per administration, 3 times per week in the morning, via the subcutaneous route, with a reported continuous cycle. These figures describe what has been used in research settings and are not recommendations. Each CoreX order ships with a protocol guide for laboratory reference. Oral human trials in the literature used different formulations, so results across routes are not directly comparable.