richest dietary source of ergothioneine（ergothioneine in mushrooms or fungi）
richest dietary source of ergothioneine
Distribution Range
Ergothioneine is distributed in some tissues and organs of mammals, mainly in red blood cells and semen of some animals, although no experimental studies have shown that animals can synthesize the substance, but there is certainly a way to absorb and retain ergothionein in animal cells. For carnivores, ergothioneine in animal tissues can supply dietary needs. Later, it was found that ergothione also existed in cereal plants.
what applications fields it can be used for?
Ergothioneine has a wide range of applications and market prospects in organ transplantation, cell preservation, medicine, food and beverage, functional food, animal feed, cosmetics and biotechnology. Used as a unique antioxidant: ergothioneine is a highly protective, non-toxic natural antioxidant that is not easily oxidized in water, which allows their concentration in some tissues to reach mmol and activates the cell’s natural antioxidant defense system. Among the many antioxidants, ergothione is particularly unique, because ergothione can chelate heavy metal ions, which can make the red blood cells in the body free from free radical damage.
what are the benefits of l-ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is a natural compound with a variety of biological functions, and its effects include the following:
- Antioxidant effects: Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and protects cells from oxidative damage. Therefore, it has a variety of health effects such as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-fatigue.
- Cell protection: Ergothioneine is able to resist cell inactivation triggered by hypochlorous acid, protecting cells from damage. In addition, it can chelate divalent metal ions, activate antioxidant enzymes and inhibit superoxide dismutase, thus further protecting cells.
- Improvement of Skin Condition: Ergothioneine can be added to various skin care products and applied externally to the surface of the skin, which has the effect of protecting the skin and reducing oxidization, thus helping to improve the condition of the skin.
- Prevention of neurodegenerative diseases: Studies have shown that ergothioneine is effective in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases have significantly lower levels of ergothioneine in their blood than others.
- Protects skin from UV rays.ergothioneine plays an important role in sun protection. Ergothioneine absorbs and scatters UV rays, is photostable, and protects the skin from UV rays by reducing their penetration. Ergothioneine also acts as a sunscreen by repairing injured collagen and elastin fibers, as well as tightening pores. In addition, ergothioneine’s antioxidant action also reduces free radical damage to the skin, further protecting it from UV damage.
Image from National Library of Medicine
Any data to back that up? 
Image from NIH
About ergothioneine there is an article that summarizing the research to date on the antioxidant effects of ergothioneine and describes its biological activities and potential mechanisms, mainly in dermatology. In addition, this article provides a brief overview of ergothioneine applications in cosmetics. Ergothioneine has a promising future in the food and cosmetic industries and thus could fulfill several needs in the health and beauty industry.
