Description
Structure & Identity
Glutathione is a tripeptide with the sequence gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, that is, it is composed of glutamate (glutamic acid), cysteine, and glycine. One detail sets it apart: the first bond uses the gamma-carboxyl of glutamate rather than the usual alpha-linkage, which is why it resists normal peptide breakdown. Its formula is C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S and its molecular weight is 307.32 Da.
Research Background
Glutathione research is centered on antioxidant defense and redox balance.
- Core antioxidant. Glutathione is the principal intracellular antioxidant, buffering reactive oxygen species [PMID: 36707132].
- Unusual linkage. Its gamma-glutamyl bond makes it resist normal peptide breakdown [PMID: 36707132].
- Oxidative-stress models. Glutathione is a standard readout in cell-based redox and oxidative-stress assays [PMID: 11028671].
- Redox contexts. Its protective roles, biosynthesis, and measurement are reviewed in the redox literature [PMID: 32867638].
- Redox research. It serves as a marker of antioxidant status in cell-model studies[PMID: 16354413].
These are research contexts, not approved uses, and the compound is intended for laboratory study.
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
| Chemical name | L-Glutathione (GSH), gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine |
| Also Known As | GSH, reduced glutathione |
| Composition | Glutamate + cysteine + glycine |
| CAS number | 70-18-8 |
| Molecular formula | C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S |
| Molecular weight | 307.32 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC |
| Length | 3 amino acids (Tripeptide) |
| Identity | Confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white solid |
| Quantity | 600 mg per vial |
| Storage | -20°C, protected from light |
| Solubility | Freely water-soluble |
| Classification | Research use only |
Storage & Handling
Keep the sealed vial frozen at -20°C and shielded from light until use. Glutathione’s cysteine can oxidize on exposure to air, so reseal the vial promptly, let it reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation, and use prepared solution in your study reasonably fresh. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Quality Assurance
L-Glutathione is produced to research-grade standards and verified by an independent lab before release. Purity is measured by reverse-phase HPLC and identity by mass spectrometry, with testing carried out by third-party laboratories, including Janoshik Analytical and domestic US labs. A certificate of analysis is issued for each batch, so its figures match the exact vial you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L-Glutathione?
L-Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide and the body’s main intracellular antioxidant. It is studied in antioxidant and oxidative-stress research and is supplied for research use only.
What is glutathione made of?
Three amino acids: glutamate (glutamic acid), cysteine, and glycine. The glutamate is joined through an unusual gamma-linkage, which is why glutathione resists normal peptide breakdown.
Is glutathione a peptide?
By structure, yes, it is a tripeptide. In practice it behaves more like a small-molecule metabolite and antioxidant than a signaling peptide.
What is glutathione’s molecular weight?
Its formula is C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S, its molecular weight is 307.32 Da, and its CAS number is 70-18-8.
Is L-Glutathione FDA approved?
The material sold here is a research-use-only reference compound, not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, or treatment.
Why does glutathione need careful storage?
Its cysteine residue can oxidize in air, so keeping the vial sealed, cold, and shielded from light preserves the reduced (active) form.
How should L-Glutathione be stored?
Keep the powder frozen at -20°C and protected from light, and reseal promptly after opening.
How is this L-Glutathione verified?
It is tested to ≥99% purity by reverse-phase HPLC with mass-spec identity confirmation by an independent lab, and each batch ships with a certificate of analysis.
