Glutathione is a common antioxidant in animals, plants and some bacteria. It can remove reactive oxygen species, prevent lipid peroxidation, help metabolize peroxide and heavy metals, and prevent harmful substances from causing damage to cells and DNA, so it is widely used in medicine, food and cosmetics and other fields.
As the most important small molecule active oligopeptids in the antioxidant defense system in vivo, it is divided into oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH).
Two glutathione relationships
The ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione in cells is an important index to test the level of cellular oxidative stress. The higher the ratio of GSSG to GSH, the higher the degree of cellular oxidation.
In normal cells and tissues, more than 90% of glutathione is reduced, and the rest is the oxidized glutathione disulfide GSSG.
Moreover, GSSG and GSH in vivo are usually in stable homeostasis under the regulation of enzymes.
When the body accumulates more GSSH due to the free radical scavenging action of GSH, GSH reductase reduces GSSG to GSH.
Difference between the two
(1) In the anti-oxidation process, GSH removes free radicals through the transfer of electrons and protons, while GSSG itself has no free radical removal effect, and only participates in maintaining the dynamic balance of the two forms of GSH.
In this biochemical reaction system, GSSG may participate in other biochemical reactions besides maintaining the stable homeostasis of GSH as a substrate of GSH reductase.
(2) In the current field of cosmetics, oxidized glutathione GSSG is widely used because it has a slightly lighter odor than reduced glutathione GSH.
However, structurally, the active group in oxidized glutathione – mercaptan (-SH) has been converted to disulfide bonds, and theoretically the reduction ability is not possible.
(3) Because GSH has the ability to reduce, and melanin is formed through a series of enzymatic oxidation reactions.
GSH can reduce the oxidized dopa quinone in the process of melanin formation, convert it into GSH dopa, and then produce a lighter color of fusomelanin instead of eumelanin, thus having a whitening effect.
Sum up
GSSG and reduced GSH are widely used in cosmetic formulations because of their antioxidant, tyrosinase and melanin inhibiting properties, especially oxidized glutathione (GSSG), which is preferred by formulators and consumers because of its lighter odor.
However, there is no denying that the activity and efficacy of GSH is superior to that of GSSSG. Both can be said to have their own weaknesses and strengths.
About GSH Bio Tech
GSH Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., launched GSH and GSSG, with high concentration and reduced glutathione (GSH) and new technology for mitochondrial repair, from the inside out multi-channel black inhibition and anti-photoaging. If you need treatment for skin problems, melasma, sensitive skin, etc., choose this skin care product containing GSH with both anti-free radical and brightening effects, is the best choice.
GSH BIO-TECH has always adhered to green environmental protection, technological innovation and global layout. The company is equipped with advanced scientific research equipment and an experienced scientific research team, and continuously strengthens product research and development and technological innovation. In the future, we will continue to participate in the formulation and improvement of industry standards and contribute to the healthy development of the industry.
As a company focusing on the production of high-quality API raw materials, Anhui GSH Bio-technology Co., Ltd. is committed to providing excellent products and services to the global health industry through innovative technology. Our product line covers glutathione, NMN, Citicoline Sodium and adenosine methionine, which are widely used in medicine, food, health care products and other fields.
Anhui GSH Bio-Technology Co.,LTD. and Shenzhen GSH Bio-Technology Co.,LTD
