Ergothioneine as a Possible New Vitamin for Longevity, Skin and Aging, Immune System Function, Antioxidant Activity, Neuroprotection, and Cardiovascular Health

Ergothioneine (ET) is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino acid emerging as a powerful nutrient in the fight against aging and age-related diseases. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties have led to increasing interest in its potential role as a new vitamin, essential for promoting longevity, protecting the skin from UV damage, supporting immune function, and safeguarding against neurological and cardiovascular diseases.

One of the key roles of ergothioneine is its antioxidant activity. By scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), ET helps reduce oxidative stress, a leading cause of aging and many chronic diseases​. Ergothioneine is unique in its ability to protect against a wide range of free radicals, including singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite, which are especially damaging to cells. Unlike other antioxidants, ET is resistant to auto-oxidation, which allows it to provide prolonged protection against oxidative damage​

In addition to its antioxidant properties, ergothioneine is involved in several vital cellular processes. It regulates the Nrf2 pathway, responsible for activating a broad range of antioxidant genes. This pathway helps the body’s cells respond to oxidative stress by increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase​. This regulation not only helps defend cells from oxidative damage but also supports the body’s natural repair mechanisms, contributing to improved longevity and overall health.

The neuroprotective benefits of ergothioneine are also significant. ET is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and protect neurons from oxidative damage, which is particularly important in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's​. By reducing oxidative stress in the brain, ergothioneine may help preserve cognitive function and prevent or slow the progression of these debilitating conditions​.

Ergothioneine also has potential applications in skin health. As a natural UV filter, it absorbs UV light and protects the skin from DNA damage caused by sun exposure. This protective effect helps prevent sunburn, skin aging, and the development of skin cancer​. Additionally, ET has been shown to enhance DNA repair in skin cells, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare products aimed at reducing the effects of UV damage​.

Furthermore, ergothioneine supports cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress in endothelial cells, which play a key role in maintaining blood vessel function. By protecting the endothelium from oxidative damage, ergothioneine helps maintain healthy blood flow and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases​.

Given its broad range of health benefits, ergothioneine could be classified as a new vitamin essential for promoting longevity, protecting against aging, and improving overall health. Supplementing with ergothioneine-rich foods or supplements may help reduce oxidative stress, support immune function, protect against neurodegeneration, and promote heart and skin health.

Citations

Bindu D. Paul. "Ergothioneine: A Stress Vitamin with Antiaging, Vascular, and Neuroprotective Roles?" Antioxidants & Redox signaling. Volume 36, Numbers 16–18, 2022

Xiaoying Tian, et al. "Ergothioneine: an underrecognized dietary micronutrient required for healthy aging?" School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK

Li Chen, et al. "Ergothioneine: Anti-ageing Mechanisms and Pharmacophore Biosynthesis". Protein Cell, 2024, 15, 191–206