PRODUCTS

ERGOTHIONEINE

Ergothioneine is a naturally-occurring amino acid derived from histidine via hercynine.
Ergothioneine is a stable antioxidant that scavenges and detoxifies free radicals and oxidants, increases intracellular thiol levels, controls nuclear factor-κB activation, and inhibits inflammatory gene expression.
Ergothioneine inhibits the peroxynitrite-dependent nitration of nitrotyrosine, blocks oxidative DNA damage and cell death, and prevents the formation of xanthine and hypoxanthine.

CAS Number: 497-30-3
Molecular Formula: C9H15N3O2S
Molecular Weight: 229.3
EINECS Number: 207-843-5

Synonyms: ERGOTHIONEINE, 497-30-3, L-Ergothioneine, Sympectothion, Ergothionine, Thioneine, l-Thioneine, Thiasine, Thiolhistidine-betaine, L(+)-Ergothioneine, BDZ3DQM98W, DTXSID901020082, (2S)-3-(2-sulfanylidene-1,3-dihydroimidazol-4-yl)-2-(trimethylazaniumyl)propanoate, CHEBI:4828, (2S)-3-(2-sulfanylidene-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-2-(trimethylazaniumyl)propanoate, 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanaminium, alpha-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-, inner salt, (S)-, 2 Thiol L histidine betaine, (alphaS)-alpha-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-1H-imidazole-4-ethanaminium inner salt, NSC-7175, 2-Thiol-L-histidine-betaine, RefChem:591076, DTXCID901477922, 5-((2S)-2-carboxy-2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl)-1H-imidazole-2-thiolate, 207-843-5, L-(+)-Ergothioneine, (S)-3-(2-Thioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-2-(trimethylammonio)propanoate, NSC 7175, MFCD00167474, ergothioneine (thione form), Thioeine, (S)-(1-Carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide, NSC7175, 2-Mercaptohistidine Betaine, UNII-BDZ3DQM98W, erythrothioneine, thiolhistidinebetaine, EINECS 207-843-5, ERGOLD, Ergothioneine L-(+), ergothioneine thione form, AI3-23492, Ergothioneine [WHO-DD], ERGOTHIONEINE [MI], SCHEMBL188140, SCHEMBL188141, orb1299136, orb3012990, orb3140352, SCHEMBL9985141, CHEMBL5209630, CHEBI:82707, HMS2089D04, 2-mercaptohistidine trimethylbetaine, HY-N1914, MSK169210, AKOS027325505, CCG-207908, EBC-616355, FE22785, 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanaminium, .alpha.-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-, inner salt, (.alpha.S)-, 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanaminium, alpha-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-, inner salt, (alphaS)-, DA-64818, SY382275, CS-0018211, T8191, D83035, AB01275464-01, Q614788, (2S)-3-(2-mercapto-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(trimethylammonio)propanoate, (2S)-3-(2-mercapto-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-2-(trimethylazaniumyl)propanoate, (2S)-3-(2-sulfanyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-2-(trimethylazaniumyl)propanoate, 3-(2-sulfanylidene-1,3-dihydroimidazol-4-yl)-2-trimethylammonio-propanoate, Nalpha,Nalpha,Nalpha-trimethyl-2-sulfanylidene-2,3-dihydro-L-histidine, (2S)-3-(2-Thioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-2-(trimethylammonio)propanoate, (2S)-3-(2-thioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-2-(trimethylazaniumyl)propanoate, (.ALPHA.S)-.ALPHA.-CARBOXY-2,3-DIHYDRO-N,N,N-TRIMETHYL-2-THIOXO-1H-IMIDAZOLE-4-ETHANAMINIUM INNER SALT, (a-S)-a-Carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-1H-imidazole-4-ethanaminium inner salt, (alpha-S)-alpha-Carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-1H-imidazole-4-ethanaminium inner salt, [(1S)-2-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-[(2-thioxo-1,3-dihydroimidazol-4-yl)methyl]ethyl]-trimethyl-ammonium, 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanaminium, alpha-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-, hydroxide, inner salt, (S)-, 1H-Imidazole-4-ethaniminium, alpha-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-, hydroxide, inner salt, (S)-, Ammonium, (1-carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl)trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-(+)-, L-(+)-ERGOTHIONEINE INNER SALT;1H-Imidazole-4-ethanaminium, .alpha.-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-thioxo-, inner salt, (.alpha.S)-;3-(2-sulfanylidene-1,3-dihydroimidazol-4-yl)-2-trimethylammonio-propanoate;(S)-alpha-Carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-tri;2-Mercaptohistidine trimethylbetaine;2-Mercapto-N,N-dimethylhistidine methyl ester betaine;Thiolhistidine betaine;(αS)-α-Carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N,N-triMethyl-2-thioxo-1H-iMidazole-4-ethanaMiniuM Inner Salt

Ergothioneine is transported by the organic cation/carnitine transporter 1, which has been linked with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
Ergothioneine is a L-histidine derivative that is N(alpha),N(alpha),N(alpha)-trimethyl-L-histidine in which the hydrogen at position 2 on the imdazole ring is replaced by a mercapto group.
A naturally occurring metabolite of histidine synthesized by bacteria and fungi with antioxidant properties.

Ergothioneine is found ubiquitously in plants and animals and is present in many human foodstuffs.
Ergothioneine has a role as an antioxidant, a fungal metabolite, a plant metabolite, a xenobiotic metabolite and a chelator.
It is an amino-acid betaine, a L-histidine derivative and a sulfur-containing amino acid.

Ergothioneine is a conjugate base of an ergothioneine(1+).
Ergothioneine is a tautomer of an ergothioneine thione form.
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing derivative of the amino acid L-histidine with notable antioxidant and cytoprotective properties.

Ergothioneine is also known as L-Ergothioneine, 2-mercaptohistidine trimethylbetaine, Thiolhistidine-betaine, and L(+)-Ergothioneine.
The compound has the CAS number 497-30-3, molecular formula C9H15N3O2S, and molecular weight of 229.30 g/mol.

Ergothioneine has a distinctive chemical structure containing a sulfur-containing imidazole group and a trimethylated amino acid moiety.
Ergothioneine exists predominantly in a stable thione form under physiological conditions rather than behaving like a conventional free thiol.
This unusual sulfur chemistry contributes to its ability to participate in redox reactions and protect biological molecules from oxidative damage.

Ergothioneine is synthesized naturally by certain microorganisms, particularly fungi and some bacteria.
Humans and other mammals do not synthesize ergothioneine efficiently and obtain it primarily through dietary sources.
Mushrooms are among the richest natural sources, while ergothioneine can also occur in various plant-derived foods because plants can accumulate the compound from soil microorganisms.

Unlike conventional amino acids that are directly incorporated into proteins, ergothioneine functions primarily as a specialized small-molecule metabolite.
Ergothioneine is absorbed from the diet and distributed throughout the body rather than being used as a structural protein component.
Its biological importance is associated mainly with antioxidant, cytoprotective, and redox-regulating functions.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of ergothioneine is its interaction with the organic cation transporter novel type 1, commonly called OCTN1.
Ergothioneine is encoded by the SLC22A4 gene and is considered a high-affinity transporter for ergothioneine.
This transport mechanism allows ergothioneine to be selectively taken up and accumulated in particular tissues and cells.

Ergothioneine can accumulate in tissues that experience relatively high levels of oxidative stress.
Research has identified ergothioneine in tissues and cellular compartments where protection against reactive oxygen species may be particularly important.
Ergothioneines selective uptake through OCTN1 has therefore led researchers to describe it as a potentially targeted cellular antioxidant.

The antioxidant activity of ergothioneine is related to its ability to react with several reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
Ergothioneine can help limit oxidative reactions involving highly reactive molecules and can protect susceptible biological components from oxidation.
Its chemical stability also distinguishes it from some other low-molecular-weight thiol antioxidants.

Ergothioneine can also interact with metal ions and participate in mechanisms that reduce metal-associated oxidative reactions.
Ergothioneines sulfur and nitrogen-containing functional groups provide sites capable of coordinating certain metal species.
This chelating behavior is considered one component of its broader antioxidant chemistry rather than its only biological mechanism.

Ergothioneine has attracted considerable attention in skin science because keratinocytes express OCTN1.
This provides a mechanism through which ergothioneine can be taken up by skin cells and potentially contribute to intracellular antioxidant protection.
Experimental studies have therefore investigated its ability to protect keratinocytes and other skin-related cells from oxidative and environmental stress.

Ergothioneine has been investigated particularly for protection against ultraviolet-induced oxidative stress in skin.
Experimental studies have reported protective effects against UV-associated cellular damage, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA damage.
These findings have contributed to its incorporation into cosmetic and topical skincare research.

In cosmetic science, ergothioneine is primarily regarded as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning active.
Ergothioneine has been investigated for applications related to skin aging, environmental stress, inflammation, and maintenance of cellular antioxidant defenses.
Ergothioneine combination of chemical stability and cellular uptake makes it particularly interesting for modern antioxidant skincare formulations.

Ergothioneine has also been studied for potential anti-aging effects in skin.
Research has examined its ability to reduce oxidative damage and influence biological processes associated with photoaging, including effects on matrix metalloproteinase activity.
For example, experimental work in dermal fibroblasts has reported reduced MMP-1 expression following exposure to L-ergothioneine under UVA-related oxidative conditions.

Another area of interest is the potential effect of ergothioneine on melanin production.
Experimental studies have reported inhibition of melanogenesis and interactions with pathways involved in pigmentation.
This has led to interest in ergothioneine as an ingredient for cosmetic formulations intended to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, although clinical evidence for a skin-lightening effect remains limited.

Ergothioneine is relatively hydrophilic compared with strongly lipophilic antioxidants such as Coenzyme Q10 or vitamin E.
Ergothioneine polar structure and zwitterionic character influence its solubility, transport, and ability to cross biological membranes without specialized transport mechanisms.
The OCTN1 transporter is therefore particularly important for its efficient cellular uptake.

Ergothioneine has a relatively high topological polar surface area of approximately 96.3 Å² and an XLogP3 value of about 0.3.
These calculated properties are consistent with a molecule that has substantial polarity and limited passive membrane permeability.
Ergothioneine biological distribution is consequently strongly influenced by transporter-mediated uptake rather than simple passive diffusion alone.

Ergothioneine is also distinguished by its stereochemistry, with naturally occurring L-ergothioneine being the biologically relevant form.
The molecule contains one defined stereocenter corresponding to its L-histidine-derived configuration.
Synthetic or alternative stereoisomeric forms should therefore not automatically be assumed to have identical biological behavior.

In addition to direct antioxidant activity, ergothioneine has been investigated for effects on cellular antioxidant-response pathways.
Studies have linked its protective effects in skin cells with pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, which regulate endogenous cellular defense mechanisms.
This suggests that its biological activity may involve both direct chemical reactions with reactive species and modulation of cellular defense systems.

Ergothioneine has consequently become an increasingly important ingredient in the cosmetics and personal-care industries.
Ergothioneine is particularly attractive for formulations positioned around antioxidant protection, anti-aging care, environmental stress, and skin vitality.
However, although experimental evidence is extensive, clinical evidence supporting specific cosmetic claims remains more limited than the biochemical literature.

Beyond cosmetics, ergothioneine is being investigated in nutritional and functional-food applications.
Research has examined its potential relationship with oxidative stress, inflammation, aging, metabolism, and tissue protection.
A 2026 review describes growing interest in its use in functional foods and other health-related applications, while emphasizing that many proposed benefits remain under investigation.

Melting point: 275-277 °C (dec.)
Density: 1.2541 (rough estimate)
Refractive index: 1.6740 (estimate)
Storage temp.: -20 °C
Solubility: Soluble in water (up to 10 mg/mL)
Form: White solid
pKa: 1.706 ± 0.32 (predicted)
Color: White or off-white
pH: +47° (c = 1 in water)
Biological source: Fungus (Actinomycetales); Fungus (Ascomycota); Fungus (Basidiomycota)
Water solubility: Water: 50 mg/mL, clear, colorless
Stability: Stable for 1 year from date of purchase as supplied. Solutions in water may be stored at -20 °C for no more than 1 day.
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS; ANTIOXIDANT
InChI: InChI=1/C9H15N3O2S/c1-12(2,3)7(8(13)14)4-6-5-10-9(15)11-6/h5,7H,4H2,1-3H3,(H2-,10,11,13,14,15)/t7-/s3
InChIKey: SSISHJJTAXXQAX-KPOCXSGKNA-N
SMILES: N+(C)(C)C@@HC([O-])=O |&1:4,r|
L-(+)-Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant, which has various physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, detoxification, maintaining DNA biosynthesis, normal cell growth and cellular immunity.

Ergothioneine was discovered in 1909 by Charles Tanret, a French pharmacist and chemist.
Tanret was examining the ergot fungus, which had recently been responsible for destroying crops, and he discovered the compound by using a purification process.
The amino acid name ergothioneine originates from this fungus.

Though this discovery is relatively recent, scientists speculate that ergothioneine may have originated from ancient earth.
Due to its anaerobic nature (it does not require oxygen to function), it may have manifested in the earth's oxygen-free atmosphere more than three billion years ago While ergothioneine is not classified as one of the nine essential amino acids.

Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid, which is only produced by Actinomycetales bacteria and non-yeast like fungi belonging to the division Basidiomycota and Ascomycota.
It was originally isolated from Claviceps purpurea or rye ergot.
Ergothioneine is obtained from L-histidine, which is converted into betaine form called hercynine.

Ergothioneine is found in both animals and plants, and mammals usually obtain it from their diet, e.g. through mushrooms or oats.
Ergothioneine is tautomeric in nature, and in neutral aqueous solution exists in thione form.

Ergothioneine has the maximum concentrations in tissues subjected to oxidative stress, with the highest being in blood, eye lens, bone marrow, semen and liver.
It acts as an anti-oxidant and prevents apoptosis, by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
The anti-oxidant activity is attributable to sulfhydryl groups.

Ergothioneine acts as a substrate for SLC22A4 (solute carrier family 22, member 4) transporter.
In alveolar macrophages, it prevents the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α. IL-8 is an inflammatory cytokine.
It also regulates the oxidative damage in liver and kidneys, and has a protective action against lipid peroxidation.

Ergothioneine is also responsible for the conservation of endogenous glutathione and α-tocopherol.
ET being an antioxidant, protects against γ and UV radiation.
In UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts, it scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), and suppresses matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP1) expression.

Ergothioneine might also have anti-ageing effects on skin caused by UV-radiation.
Ergothioneine has an unusual redox chemistry because its sulfur-containing imidazole group can exist in both thiol and thione tautomeric forms, with the thione form predominating under physiological conditions.
This structure contributes to relatively high resistance to spontaneous oxidation compared with many conventional low-molecular-weight thiols, helping explain its chemical stability as an antioxidant.

Its redox behavior allows ergothioneine to react with several reactive species while remaining comparatively resistant to uncontrolled autoxidation.
The antioxidant activity of ergothioneine is not limited to one reaction pathway, as studies describe interactions with hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorous acid, singlet oxygen and other reactive species.

Ergothioneine can also bind certain divalent metal ions, including copper and zinc, forming complexes that may reduce metal-catalyzed oxidative reactions.
These combined chemical properties distinguish ergothioneine from antioxidants whose activity depends primarily on rapid oxidation of a highly reactive functional group.

Another distinctive characteristic is the selective accumulation of ergothioneine in mammalian tissues through the organic cation transporter OCTN1, also known as SLC22A4.
This transporter enables cells to actively take up ergothioneine obtained from dietary sources and contributes to its distribution in organs and tissues.
Research has detected ergothioneine in tissues including the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, eyes and brain, although its precise physiological roles in individual tissues remain an active research area.

Humans and other mammals do not appear to synthesize ergothioneine de novo, so dietary intake represents an important source of the compound.
Edible mushrooms are particularly recognized as rich natural sources, while certain bacteria and fungi possess the enzymatic pathways required for its biosynthesis.
This biological distribution has encouraged research into mushroom cultivation, microbial fermentation, metabolic engineering and recombinant production as scalable sources of ergothioneine.

Industrial production of ergothioneine is increasingly moving toward controlled microbial biosynthesis rather than relying exclusively on extraction from natural materials.
Researchers have investigated engineered microorganisms and optimized fermentation pathways to improve production yield, simplify downstream processing and provide a more consistent supply of purified ergothioneine.
These developments are important because growing interest in ergothioneine for food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutritional applications requires reproducible large-scale production.

Ergothioneine is also being investigated as a multifunctional bioactive ingredient rather than simply as a conventional antioxidant.
Research has examined its potential roles in cellular protection, inflammatory signaling, oxidative-stress regulation, metabolic processes and protection against age-associated cellular damage.
However, many of these biological effects remain under investigation, and mechanistic or experimental findings should not automatically be interpreted as established clinical benefits.

Uses Of Ergothioneine:
Ergothioneine is a natural molecule isolated from the rye ergot fungus and later identified in rat erythrocytes and liver and in numerous other animal tissues.
Its antioxidizing properties may afford the compound therapeutic potential or it may be used as a food additive or in cosmetics.

Ergothioneine is used in cosmetic formulations as a multifunctional antioxidant intended to help protect skin cells from oxidative stress.
Ergothioneine is incorporated into anti-aging products such as creams, lotions, serums, masks and other leave-on formulations designed for mature or environmentally stressed skin.
Its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties have also made it an ingredient of interest for formulations targeting photoaging and UV-associated oxidative damage.

In skincare products, ergothioneine is used to support formulations aimed at maintaining skin firmness, elasticity and overall skin condition.
Experimental research has associated its activity with protection of dermal and epidermal cells against oxidative and inflammatory processes that can contribute to visible skin aging.
These applications are primarily based on biochemical and laboratory evidence, while clinical evidence for specific cosmetic benefits remains more limited.

Ergothioneine is also used in cosmetic products formulated for uneven skin tone and skin-brightening applications.
Its potential antimelanogenic activity has been investigated because oxidative processes can contribute to pathways involved in melanin production.
For this reason, it may be included in serums, creams and other formulations designed to address the appearance of pigmentation and discoloration.

The compound is being investigated for use in haircare and broader beauty formulations because oxidative stress can also affect hair and scalp tissues.
Its antioxidant properties provide a basis for incorporating ergothioneine into specialized haircare products intended to protect against environmental and oxidative stress.
Commercial and research interest in these applications is growing alongside the broader development of multifunctional antioxidant cosmetic ingredients.

In the food industry, ergothioneine can be investigated as a natural antioxidant for protecting foods against oxidative deterioration.
Studies have examined its ability to reduce oxidation, discoloration and quality losses in food products, particularly where oxidative reactions contribute to reduced shelf life.
Its hydrophilic antioxidant character makes it particularly interesting for applications where water-compatible antioxidant protection is required.

Ergothioneine is also being developed for functional foods and nutraceutical products because it can be obtained from dietary sources and is selectively transported into mammalian cells through OCTN1.
Research has investigated its incorporation into functional food systems, dietary supplements and other products intended to provide a concentrated source of this naturally occurring antioxidant.
Potential applications include products focused on oxidative-stress management and healthy aging, although clinical validation of specific health claims is still developing.

Fermented foods represent another emerging application area for ergothioneine.
Researchers have investigated ergothioneine-producing microorganisms and fermentation processes as ways of increasing its concentration in fermented food products.
This approach may allow ergothioneine to function as a bioactive component while also providing opportunities for microbial production and food enrichment.

Ergothioneine has also been studied as a potential food-preservation ingredient for products susceptible to oxidation and enzymatic discoloration.
Research has examined its use in aquatic products and other food commodities where oxidative deterioration and melanosis can reduce commercial quality.
These applications are particularly relevant to the development of naturally derived preservation systems that can complement conventional antioxidant strategies.

In pharmaceutical and biomedical research, ergothioneine is being investigated as a cytoprotective and antioxidant compound rather than as an established therapeutic drug.
Studies have explored its potential relevance to oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cardiovascular processes, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.
These applications remain largely within research and development, and promising experimental mechanisms should not be interpreted as established clinical indications.

Ergothioneine is additionally being explored as an ingredient for advanced biomaterial and delivery systems designed to improve the stability or targeted availability of antioxidant compounds.
Research into fermentation, metabolic engineering and formulation technologies is supporting the development of more scalable sources and application formats for ergothioneine.
These developments may expand its future use across cosmetic, food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Ergothioneine is being investigated as a natural antioxidant for food packaging and active packaging systems, particularly where oxidation and discoloration can reduce product quality.
Recent research has explored incorporating ergothioneine into edible or biodegradable films and coatings, where the compound can provide antioxidant activity while the surrounding material serves as a protective barrier.
These systems are still an emerging application area, but they connect ergothioneine with the development of active, bio-based and functional packaging materials.

Another food-related application is the preservation of meat and seafood products, where ergothioneine has been investigated for controlling lipid oxidation and undesirable color changes.
Experimental studies have shown that ergothioneine-containing mushroom extracts can help maintain the color of beef and fish during refrigerated storage by limiting oxidative processes associated with pigment deterioration.
This makes ergothioneine of interest as a potential natural alternative or complementary antioxidant for meat and seafood preservation systems.

Ergothioneine is also being explored as an anti-melanosis ingredient in aquatic food products, particularly because enzymatic browning and discoloration can reduce the commercial value of shrimp and other seafood.
Its antioxidant and metal-interaction properties may interfere with oxidative processes involved in melanosis formation, supporting its investigation as a quality-preservation treatment.
Research in this area is focused on extending refrigerated shelf life while maintaining the appearance and market quality of aquatic products.

Ergothioneine has potential applications in functional beverages and fortified foods, where water-compatible antioxidants are desirable.
Ergothioneine can be incorporated into food systems as a bioactive ingredient, and fermentation using ergothioneine-producing microorganisms has been investigated as a way of naturally increasing its concentration.
This approach could be useful for developing functional fermented foods with enhanced antioxidant content without relying exclusively on direct addition of purified material.

Mushroom processing by-products are another emerging source for ergothioneine applications because residual mushroom material can retain appreciable quantities of the compound.
Extracting ergothioneine from mushroom residues creates an opportunity to convert food-processing waste into ingredients for functional foods, dietary supplements and antioxidant formulations.
This approach also supports research into more sustainable production routes and higher-value utilization of mushroom-processing streams.

Ergothioneine is being investigated in nutritional supplements intended to provide dietary antioxidant support, particularly in products focused on healthy aging.
Its selective cellular uptake through OCTN1 and accumulation in tissues have encouraged research into its bioavailability and potential role as a functional nutraceutical.
However, research reviews continue to emphasize the need for additional clinical validation before specific disease-prevention or therapeutic claims can be established.

Ergothioneine is also being studied in eye-health and ophthalmic research, because relatively high concentrations of ergothioneine have been detected in ocular tissues exposed to oxidative stress.
Recent research has examined its possible protective relevance to the lens, retina, retinal pigment epithelium and choroid, including investigations related to age-associated eye disorders.
These findings support continued investigation of ergothioneine in ophthalmic nutrition and protective formulations, but they do not establish it as a treatment for eye disease.

Ergothioneine has additionally attracted interest in sports nutrition and exercise-related research because oxidative stress increases during strenuous physical activity.
Experimental studies have investigated whether supplementation could influence exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle recovery and mitochondrial function, including research identifying a possible interaction with mitochondrial 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase.
Current evidence is not sufficient to establish ergothioneine as an ergogenic ingredient, so this remains a developing research application rather than an established performance use.

In pharmaceutical research, ergothioneine is being evaluated as a platform molecule for oxidative-stress and inflammation-related research, including studies of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological conditions.
Ergothioneines antioxidant, cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms have generated interest in developing formulations or delivery systems capable of providing controlled exposure to the compound.
Most of these applications remain at the preclinical or research stage, and the current literature distinguishes mechanistic potential from clinically established therapeutic applications.

Safety Profile Of Ergothioneine:
Ergothioneine is generally considered to have a relatively favorable safety profile when used at the levels evaluated for food applications.
The European Food Safety Authority concluded that synthetic L-ergothioneine was safe under the proposed conditions of use, based on toxicological data including a no-observed-adverse-effect level of 800 mg/kg body weight per day in the evaluated studies.
The same assessment found no concern regarding genotoxicity and considered the likelihood of adverse allergic reactions to be low.

The hazard classification of ergothioneine can vary depending on the supplier, grade and regulatory system used for the specific material.
For example, a 2024 European Fisher Scientific safety data sheet for 98% L-(+)-ergothioneine states that the substance does not meet the CLP classification criteria for physical, health or environmental hazards.
Therefore, the current SDS for the specific commercial grade should be checked before assigning a formal hazard classification.

Some research-grade SDS documents nevertheless classify L-(+)-ergothioneine as causing skin irritation, serious eye irritation and respiratory irritation.
A current Cayman Chemical SDS for CAS 497-30-3 assigns H315, H319 and H335 classifications and recommends appropriate precautions during laboratory handling.
These classifications should not automatically be generalized to every commercial or cosmetic grade because hazard classifications can depend on the supplier's available data and regulatory assessment.

Direct contact with concentrated ergothioneine powder should therefore be minimized during manufacturing, laboratory preparation and formulation work.
Protective gloves and suitable eye protection are appropriate precautions when handling bulk material, particularly when the material is weighed or transferred as a dry powder.
Good ventilation or local exhaust can also reduce exposure to airborne particles where powder handling generates dust.

Ergothioneine Procurement and Technical Support:
Ataman Kimya supports customers looking for Ergothioneine with dependable supply solutions and relevant technical information for industrial and formulation requirements.
Additional support can be provided regarding product specifications, available documentation, and the evaluation of suitable product options based on the intended application.