The latest research and breakthrough findings on ergothioneine (EGT) primarily focus on its antioxidant, anti-aging, mitochondrial function improvement, and neuroprotective effects.

I. Antioxidant Effect

Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid with significant antioxidant properties, capable of scavenging free radicals in the body and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Recent research has further confirmed the potent antioxidant capabilities of ergothioneine. For instance, ergothioneine can act at the DNA level, effectively protecting mitochondria from free radical damage, thereby maintaining normal mitochondrial function.

II. Anti-Aging Effect

By protecting mitochondria and scavenging free radicals, ergothioneine helps delay the cellular aging process and maintain a youthful state of the body. Researchers in Japan found that mice fed with ergothioneine had median and average life spans increased by 16% and 21%, respectively. Chinese researchers published a study in the journal "Food & Function" showing that ergothioneine can improve oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial function caused by aging in mouse models, thereby enhancing cognitive function in mice. Specifically, ergothioneine treatment significantly improved memory impairment, enhanced memory function, and reduced hippocampal neuron damage in d-galactose-induced aging mouse models.

III. Mitochondrial Function Improvement

Mitochondria are the "energy factories" within cells, and their functional status directly affects cell survival and energy supply. Research has found that ergothioneine can enter mitochondria and directly scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby eliminating aging factors from the source and promoting mitochondrial repair and regeneration. For example, ergothioneine treatment significantly increased the expression of mitochondrial-related genes such as AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC-1α, reversing mitochondrial damage.

IV. Neuroprotective Effect

Ergothioneine exhibits neuroprotective properties, capable of reducing neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Chinese researchers also found that ergothioneine treatment alleviated neuroinflammation induced by d-galactose, reduced MDA levels, enhanced T-SOD activity through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and restoring synaptic structural damage. These findings indicate the potential application value of ergothioneine in neuroprotection.

In summary, ergothioneine has significant breakthrough research findings in antioxidantion, anti-aging, mitochondrial function improvement, and neuroprotection. These research findings provide a solid theoretical basis for the application of ergothioneine in medical, health, and beauty fields.