Ergothioneine is a substance that the human body cannot synthesize, obtaining it only from food. Some scientists consider it a vitamin, linking the study of this compound to new breakthroughs in medicine. What are the benefits of ergothioneine and from what sources can it be obtained?
What is ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine (ET) is a derivative of the essential alpha-amino acid histidine, first discovered in 1909 in ergot, a fungus from which it derives its name. Immediately after its discovery, the substance attracted the interest of scientists, who began to search for it in other fungi, plant materials, and to study the role of ET in human health.
It turned out that L-ergothioneine is contained in the human body, in particular, it was found in the following organs, tissues and fluids:
- kidneys;
- sperm;
- liver;
- blood (in erythrocytes);
- marrow;
- lens.
The human body, like other mammals, is unable to produce ET on its own, so it is important to obtain it from food, in particular from mushrooms, which, like chanterelle extract , are rich in other beneficial substances.
What does ergothioneine do?
Since its discovery, ergothioneine has attracted the attention of researchers because it is believed to be depleted in response to various types of stress and exposure to toxic substances. Due to the presence of a sulfhydryl group, the substance has the following potential effects:
- antioxidant;
- detoxification;
- antiphlogistic;
- cytoprotective.
ET performs several functions, for example, accumulating in tissues and cells that are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. The extent to which the body actively accumulates this compound has led scientists to consider it a kind of stress vitamin, which ET has not yet been officially recognized as, but research in this direction is ongoing.
At the same time, at the cellular level, it also serves as a specific UV filter, absorbing ultraviolet light and thus protecting DNA. In addition, it stimulates the activity of myeloperoxidase, helping to eliminate the effects of UV exposure on the cell. For this reason, ET is used in cosmetology as an important protective factor for the skin.
Which mushrooms contain ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine cannot be synthesized by the human body, so to replenish its supply, it is necessary to monitor the balance of the diet. When forming an appropriate diet, it is recommended to look at mushrooms that have a particularly high content of this substance:
- chanterelle;
- shiitake ;
- Lion's mane;
- Royal oyster mushroom;
- Porcini mushroom
Why is ergothioneine important for health?
At the cellular level, ergothioneine is present in mitochondria, performing an oxidative-cytoprotective role, mitigating the harmful effects of free and hydroxyl radicals, protecting the cell also from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. In addition, a number of studies demonstrate the positive therapeutic role of ET in inflammatory processes. For example, the work of Tokuhiro S. et al. (2003) shows its positive role in rheumatoid arthritis. There are works that emphasize the importance of this substance for protecting neurons from oxidative stress. It can also potentially improve cardiovascular function and serve as an anti-aging agent. At the same time, in elderly people, the content of ergothioneine is significantly reduced, which requires its increased consumption with food. And in general, the diet should contain foods rich in ET, since it is not produced by the body.
Food sources of ergothioneine
Ergothioneine is found in significant quantities in foods:
- mushrooms;
- Brazil nut;
- ginkgo fruits;
- garlic;
- kidneys, liver;
- green bean;
- oat bran.
Conclusion
Ergothioneine is an important component that allows cells to protect themselves from oxidative stress. At the same time, it is not produced by the human body and must be supplied from the outside with food. The highest levels of ET are found in mushrooms, which should be taken into account when forming a diet, and for a more balanced diet, in addition to the ET-rich shiitake, you can order a Lion's mane or a reishi mushroom, which will expand the arsenal of supplements for daily support of the body.
