Glutathione Vial
Glutathione ( -L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) is an endogenous tripeptide synthesized intracellularly in two ATP-dependent steps and present in millimolar concentrations in nearly every mammalian cell.
Research goals: Longevity & Anti-Aging
Description
Glutathione (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) is an endogenous tripeptide synthesized intracellularly in two ATP-dependent steps and present in millimolar concentrations in nearly every mammalian cell. It is the principal cellular antioxidant and a substrate for glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and the glutaredoxin system, with central roles in detoxification (Phase II conjugation in the liver), redox signaling, and protein S-glutathionylation. Glutathione has been used clinically by intravenous administration for decades in chronic liver disease, acute poisoning, and as an investigational therapy in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
The original positive human signal for IV glutathione comes from Sechi et al.’s open-label trial in newly diagnosed, untreated Parkinson’s disease: 9 patients received intravenous reduced glutathione 600 mg twice daily for 30 days, with all patients improving and a mean 42% reduction in disability scores, the therapeutic effect persisting two to four months after treatment was discontinued (Sechi et al., Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry 1996).1
Important Note on the Evidence Base
Glutathione has an unusually large body of human research compared with most research peptides — including multiple randomized controlled trials, pharmacokinetic studies, and decades of clinical use in Japan and parts of Europe for hepatic indications. However, the human efficacy data in Parkinson’s disease are mixed: an early open-label study by Sechi et al. reported significant disability improvement, while the Hauser et al. RCT found tolerability and safety but no significant efficacy signal versus placebo. Oral glutathione bioavailability is low because of GI peptide hydrolysis; the strongest human efficacy evidence is for intravenous and intranasal routes. This product is sold as a vial intended for laboratory research; it is not approved by the FDA or EMA as a therapeutic agent.
Published Research on Glutathione
Original IV Glutathione in Early Parkinson’s Disease — Sechi et al., Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry (1996)
This open-label study administered intravenous reduced glutathione (600 mg twice daily) for 30 days to nine patients with newly diagnosed, untreated Parkinson’s disease. All patients improved, with a mean 42% reduction in disability scores by the end of the treatment period. The therapeutic effect persisted for two to four months after treatment was discontinued. Although uncontrolled, this was the original positive human signal that prompted the larger Hauser RCT a decade later, and it remains the single most-cited human study supporting IV glutathione for Parkinson’s disease.1
Randomized Double-Blind Pilot in Parkinson’s Disease — Hauser et al., Movement Disorders (2009)
This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial enrolled 21 PD patients whose motor symptoms were not adequately controlled with their existing medication, randomizing them to intravenous glutathione 1,400 mg or placebo three times weekly for 4 weeks. The study’s primary aim was safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy. Glutathione was well tolerated with no withdrawals from adverse events and an adverse event profile similar to placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in UPDRS scores between groups, and the authors emphasized the trial was not powered to detect efficacy. The study established IV glutathione’s safety profile in PD and informed the design of subsequent intranasal glutathione trials by Mischley et al.2
Glutathione Deficiency in Aging — Sekhar et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011)
Using stable-isotope infusions of [2H2]glycine in 8 elderly and 8 younger subjects, this Baylor College of Medicine study quantified red blood cell glutathione synthesis rate, intracellular concentration, and plasma markers of oxidative stress. Elderly subjects had 46% lower erythrocyte glutathione than younger controls, a deficit driven by reduced synthesis rather than increased turnover. Two weeks of dietary supplementation with the precursors cysteine (as N-acetylcysteine) and glycine fully restored glutathione synthesis and concentrations and reduced markers of oxidative stress to levels indistinguishable from younger subjects, demonstrating that age-related glutathione decline is reversible at the precursor level.3
Oral Glutathione in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease — Honda et al., BMC Gastroenterology (2017)
This open-label, single-arm, multicenter pilot trial enrolled 34 Japanese patients with ultrasonography-confirmed NAFLD. After a 3-month run-in of diet and exercise intervention, patients received oral glutathione 300 mg/day for 4 months. The 29 patients who completed the trial showed reductions in alanine aminotransferase (the primary endpoint) as well as triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and ferritin levels. ALT responders (those whose ALT decreased below the median change) were younger and lacked severe diabetes. The study was the first prospective trial of oral glutathione in NAFLD and supports the hypothesized link between hepatic glutathione status and steatosis.4
About the Compound
Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine, with the unusual feature that the γ-carboxyl group of glutamate (rather than the α-carboxyl) forms the peptide bond with cysteine, protecting the peptide from cleavage by typical aminopeptidases. The cysteine sulfhydryl is the redox-active site: in its reduced form (GSH) the peptide donates an electron to neutralize reactive oxygen species, generating glutathione disulfide (GSSG), which is recycled back to GSH by glutathione reductase using NADPH. Cellular GSH:GSSG ratio is one of the most widely used biomarkers of intracellular redox state. Glutathione’s primary research applications include redox biology, hepatic phase II conjugation studies, oxidative stress in neurodegeneration models, and antioxidant supplementation studies.
- Compound class: endogenous tripeptide; principal cellular antioxidant
- Sequence: γ-L-Glu-L-Cys-Gly (γ-glutamyl bond between Glu and Cys)
- Synonyms: GSH, reduced glutathione, L-glutathione
- CAS Number: 70-18-8 (reduced form)
- Molecular Formula: C10H17N3O6S
- Molecular Weight: 307.32 g/mol
- Solubility: water-soluble (lyophilized; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or saline)
- Mechanism: cysteine-mediated electron donation to neutralize reactive oxygen species; substrate for glutathione peroxidases, S-transferases, and glutaredoxins
- Regulatory status: not approved by the FDA or EMA as a therapeutic agent. Used clinically in Japan and parts of Europe for hepatic indications by IV administration
Product Specifications
- Format: lyophilized peptide in vial (reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or saline for IV/IM research administration)
- Strength: 1500 mg per vial
- Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
- Container: sealed glass vial (lyophilized powder)
- Certificate of Analysis: lot-specific COA available
See the FDA Disclosure, Storage Instructions, and RUO tabs for handling, storage, and regulatory information.
References
- Sechi G, Deledda MG, Bua G, et al. Reduced intravenous glutathione in the treatment of early Parkinson’s disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1996;20(7):1159-1170. doi:10.1016/S0278-5846(96)00103-0
- Hauser RA, Lyons KE, McClain T, Carter S, Perlmutter D. Randomized, double-blind, pilot evaluation of intravenous glutathione in Parkinson’s disease. Mov Disord. 2009;24(7):979-983. doi:10.1002/mds.22401
- Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP, et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(3):847-853. doi:10.3945/ajcn.110.003483
- Honda Y, Kessoku T, Sumida Y, et al. Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2017;17(1):96. doi:10.1186/s12876-017-0652-3
Preparation and storage
Research-only handling information. Glutathione is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research. The handling and storage guidance below reflects standard practice in published peptide research literature. Glutathione is not a drug, supplement, or food product, and is not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications.
Format
- Form: Vial
- Available strengths: 1500mg
- Verified purity: >99% (HPLC, LC–MS)
- Documentation: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) included
Reconstitution for Research Use
Glutathione is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized powder. Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is the standard preparation step used in published research protocols. The volume of BAC water used determines the final concentration of the reconstituted solution.
Example (for a 1500mg vial reconstituted in 2 mL of BAC water):
- Total peptide: 1500mg
- BAC water added: 2 mL
- Resulting concentration: ~750 mg/mL
Recommended practice:
- Use sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for reconstitution; this preserves the solution for multi-week handling in laboratory settings.
- Allow the lyophilized powder to reach room temperature before opening the vial.
- Inject the BAC water against the inside wall of the vial — do not aim the stream directly at the lyophilized cake.
- Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Once reconstituted, store the vial under refrigeration at 4 °C (39 °F).
Storage & Handling
- Upon receipt: Keep peptides cold and away from light.
- Lyophilized (unreconstituted): Stable at room temperature for several weeks; refrigeration at 4 °C (39 °F) is acceptable for short-term storage (days to weeks).
- Long-term storage (months to years): Freeze the lyophilized vial at −80 °C (−112 °F). Freezing optimally preserves peptide stability for extended periods.
- Reconstituted solution: Refrigerate at 4 °C (39 °F). Avoid freeze/thaw cycles, which can degrade peptide structure.
- Light exposure: Minimize exposure to direct light during handling; light can accelerate peptide degradation.
- Heat exposure: Do not leave the vial at room temperature longer than necessary for handling.
Important Notice
All Omnix Peptides products are sold for laboratory, research, or analytical purposes only. They are not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications. Researchers and laboratory professionals must follow all applicable institutional, local, state, and federal regulations governing the handling of research compounds.
Citations
Citations and reference data. Omnix Peptides supplies research-grade compounds for use by qualified laboratory professionals. The references below cite published preclinical research conducted in animal models and in vitro systems. They are not intended to represent clinical evidence in humans, and Glutathione has not been approved by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for any indication.
Compound Reference Data
- Compound: Glutathione
- CAS Number: 70-18-8 (reduced form)
- Molecular Formula: C10H17N3O6S
- Molecular Weight: 307.32 g/mol
- Sequence: γ-L-Glu-L-Cys-Gly (γ-glutamyl bond between Glu and Cys)
- Synonyms: —
Selected Published Studies
The following peer-reviewed studies were conducted using animal models or in vitro cell-culture systems. They are listed here as a reference for researchers investigating Glutathione. None of these studies should be interpreted as recommending Glutathione for human use, treatment, or any clinical purpose.
- Sechi G, Deledda MG, Bua G, et al. Reduced intravenous glutathione in the treatment of early Parkinson's disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1996;20(7):1159-1170. doi:10.1016/S0278-5846(96)00103-0
- Hauser RA, Lyons KE, McClain T, Carter S, Perlmutter D. Randomized, double-blind, pilot evaluation of intravenous glutathione in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2009;24(7):979-983. doi:10.1002/mds.22401
- Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP, et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(3):847-853. doi:10.3945/ajcn.110.003483
- Honda Y, Kessoku T, Sumida Y, et al. Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2017;17(1):96. doi:10.1186/s12876-017-0652-3
Evidence-Base Disclosure
The published evidence base for Glutathione consists predominantly of preclinical research — animal models (often rats or mice) and in vitro cell-culture experiments. Where Phase I or Phase II human trials exist, they are noted in the compound page summary. Researchers should interpret the cited literature within the experimental context of each individual study.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the Glutathione Vial. Questions on this page cover handling, storage, documentation, and ordering. Glutathione is sold for laboratory, research, or analytical purposes only — not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications.
How is the Glutathione Vial prepared for laboratory research?
The Glutathione Vial is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. The standard preparation step described in published peptide research literature is reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (BAC water). The volume of BAC water used determines the final concentration of the solution. See the Amount & Handling tab for a worked reconstitution example.
Why is Glutathione supplied as a lyophilized powder rather than a pre-mixed solution?
Lyophilization (freeze-drying) is the standard format for research-grade peptides because it maximizes long-term stability. A lyophilized vial stored cold and away from light remains stable for substantially longer than a pre-mixed solution. Reconstitution by the researcher also allows control over the final solution concentration.
Can the reconstituted Glutathione solution be frozen?
Freeze/thaw cycles can degrade peptide structure and should generally be avoided. Reconstituted Glutathione should be stored under refrigeration at 4 °C (39 °F) and used within the active research timeframe described in the Amount & Handling tab. For long-term storage, keep the vial lyophilized and freeze at −80 °C (−112 °F) until use.
Is Glutathione approved by the FDA?
No. Glutathione is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for any indication. Glutathione is sold by Omnix Peptides strictly for laboratory, research, or analytical purposes. It is not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications.
What is included with each Glutathione Vial?
Each order includes the sealed product container and a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying identity and purity by HPLC and LC–MS. The full COA library for Omnix Peptides is available at /coa-lab-reports/.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and how do I read it?
A COA is a batch-specific lab report that documents the identity, purity, and quality control results for the production lot you receive. The COA lists the compound name, CAS number, lot number, analytical methods used (HPLC, LC–MS), and the measured purity percentage. Every Omnix order includes the COA for the lot shipped.
What is the CAS number for Glutathione?
The CAS number for Glutathione is 70-18-8 (reduced form). Researchers can use this identifier to locate published literature in PubMed and other scientific databases.
How does Omnix Peptides ship orders?
Orders ship from a US-based facility with tracked domestic shipping. Free shipping is offered on orders over $99. Lyophilized vials and capsules ship at ambient temperature; sprays ship insulated when seasonal conditions require it. Tracking information is provided by email after the order ships.
What if my product arrives damaged or the seal is broken?
Contact Omnix Peptides within 48 hours of delivery. Product damaged in transit or arriving with a compromised seal will be replaced at no cost. See the Shipping & Return Policy at /shipping-return-policy/ for full terms.
Where can I find published research on Glutathione?
Peer-reviewed studies relevant to Glutathione are listed in the Citations tab on this product page. The same studies can be located independently on PubMed using the CAS number (70-18-8 (reduced form)) or the compound name.
Customer reviews
Certificate of Analysis
Certificate of Analysis (COA) for this batch is available on request. Email orders@omnixpeptides.com with your order number to receive a copy. COAs include HPLC purity analysis performed by an independent third-party laboratory.
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