Glutathione
Also known as: GSH · L-Glutathione · Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine · Reduced glutathione
Contents
MW
307.32 Da
Amino Acids
3 AA
Half-Life
10-15 minutes (IV clearance)
Route
IV, Oral, Nebulized, SubQ
CAS
70-18-8
Formula
C10H17N3O6S
Amino Acid Sequence
ECG
Mechanism of Action
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) and the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the human body. Every cell contains millimolar concentrations of GSH — it is fundamental to cellular survival.
ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE: Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) uses GSH to neutralize hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxides, converting them to water and alcohols. GSH → GSSG (oxidized) in the process, then recycled by glutathione reductase using NADPH.
PHASE II DETOXIFICATION: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) conjugates GSH to electrophilic toxins, drugs, heavy metals, and carcinogens — rendering them water-soluble for renal/biliary excretion. This is a major drug metabolism and detoxification pathway.
IMMUNE FUNCTION: Required for T-cell proliferation, NK cell activity, and lymphocyte function. GSH depletion impairs immune response.
ANTIOXIDANT RECYCLING: Maintains vitamins C and E in their reduced (active) forms. GSH is the "master recycler" of the antioxidant network.
MITOCHONDRIAL PROTECTION: Protects mitochondrial membranes from oxidative damage, maintaining cellular energy production.
MELANIN MODULATION: At high systemic doses, GSH shifts melanin synthesis from eumelanin (dark) to pheomelanin (light) — the mechanism behind skin lightening applications. This is via tyrosinase inhibition and thiol-mediated pathway switching.
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
IV: 1–3x/week.
Half-Life
10-15 minutes (IV clearance)
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
Zinc depletion with chronic IV use — supplement zinc.
Potential chemotherapy interference (GST conjugation).
IV requires clinical setting.
Oral bioavailability poor without liposomal formulation.
Hydrogen sulfide smell/taste during IV.
Rapid IV push can cause cramping.
Contraindications
Absolute
Pregnancy (IV high-dose)
Relative Cautions
Asthma (nebulized form)
Sulfite sensitivity
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Mild nausea
- ●Bloating (oral)
- ●Skin whitening (cosmetic)
Moderate
- ●Abdominal cramping
- ●Zinc depletion (chronic use)
- ●Headache
Severe (Rare)
- ●Anaphylaxis (rare, IV)
- ●Stevens-Johnson syndrome (exceedingly rare)
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
NAD+
Vitamin C
Research Status
Well-established biochemistry. PMID 11673476 (skin luminosity improvement with IV GSH). Limited large RCTs for injectable route specifically. Oral bioavailability historically poor — liposomal forms improved this significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Glutathione work?
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) and the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the human body. Every cell contains millimolar concentrations of GSH — it is fundamental to cellular survival. ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE: Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) uses GSH to neutralize hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxides, converting them to water and alcohols. GSH → GSSG (oxidized) in the process, then recycled by glutathione reductase using NADPH. PHASE II DETOXIFICATION: Glutathione S-t
What is the standard dose of Glutathione?
Glutathione dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: IV: 1–3x/week.
What is the half-life of Glutathione?
The half-life of Glutathione is 10-15 minutes (IV clearance). This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use Glutathione?
Glutathione is absolutely contraindicated in: Pregnancy (IV high-dose). Use with caution in: Asthma (nebulized form); Sulfite sensitivity.
What are the side effects of Glutathione?
Common mild side effects include: Mild nausea, Bloating (oral), Skin whitening (cosmetic). Moderate effects: Abdominal cramping, Zinc depletion (chronic use), Headache.
What peptides stack well with Glutathione?
Glutathione is commonly stacked with: NAD+, SS-31, 5-Amino-1MQ.
How do you reconstitute Glutathione?
Glutathione is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle Glutathione?
Glutathione cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
10 PubMed studies · 3 clinical trials
LPS-Induced Inflammation and Preconditioning in Rainbow Trout: Markers of Innate Immunity and Oxidative Stress.
Sukhovskaya Irina V, Tsekova Albina A, Kantserova Nadezhda P, Balan Olga V et al.. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI. 2025
The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model is widely used in mammalian studies but remains poorly investigated in a variety of fish species. We reproduce this model in rainbow trout, Onco
Inflammatory and Redox Responses During Medical Treatment of Open-Cervix Pyometra in Female Dogs: A Prospective Study.
Rocha Luana de Sousa, Nakaya Juliana Sanches, da Rosa Filho Roberto Rodrigues, Francischini Maria Claudia Pereda et al.. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI. 2025
The present study aimed to evaluate blood redox status and acute phase protein profile throughout two pharmacological treatment protocols for pyometra bitches, employing aglepristone either as a monot
Effects of Short-Term Feeding of Resveratrol on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, Serum Biochemical Parameters and Intestinal Health in Yellow-Feathered Broilers Under Dexamethasone-Induced Oxidative Stress.
Ye Hui, Wang Yangyu, Zhu Huilan, Huang Chao et al.. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). 2025
Oxidative stress is believed to deteriorate production performance and cause substantial economic losses in commercial poultry farming. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic antioxidant that can improve
Efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles in chemical castration of male Wistar rats.
Kian Mehdi, Soleimanzadeh Ali, Javadi Shahram, Najafi Gholamreza. Scientific reports. 2025
This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of intratesticular zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats, evaluating their potential as a chemical castrati
Renoprotective effects of human L-type fatty acid-binding protein (hL-FABP) in rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury.
Inoue Kazuho, Hoshino Seiko, Ohata Keiichi, Sugaya Takeshi et al.. Scientific reports. 2025
L-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) in proximal tubules is reported to reduce oxidative stress. This study investigated whether renal L-FABP mitigated rhabdomyolysis (RM)-induced acute kidney i
Daily temporal organization of inflammation and cognition-related factors and antioxidant enzymes are modified by an intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta peptide (1-42) aggregates in the rat temporal cortex.
Coria-Lucero Cinthia, Lopez Mariana, Gomez-Mejiba Sandra, Ramirez Dario et al.. Brain research. 2026
Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss and dementia in older adults. The neuropathological hallmarks of AD include amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles,
Probiotics intervention reduces oxidative stress-driven myocardial injury.
Hamzeh Olia, Rostami-Mansoor Sahar, Feizi Farideh, Nosratiyan Nasrin et al.. Scientific reports. 2025
Aging is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, characterized by progressive structural and functional decline in the heart. In addition to oxidative stress, which is a key player in a
["Shugan Tiaoshen" acupuncture improves chronic inflammatory pain and depression comorbidity by inhibiting ferroptosis of hippocampal neurons].
Liu Guang-Hua, Shi Dong-Liang, Wang Zi-Hua, Chen Lu-Lu et al.. Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research. 2025
To observe the effect of "Shugan Tiaoshen" (regulating mental activities by relieving depressed liver) acupuncture on hippocampal iron metabolism, antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation related fac
Registered Clinical Trials
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Symptom Indications
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.