Ergothioneine: A Vitamin with Anti-ageing & Neuroprotective Roles?

From our Medical Advisor

“L-Ergothioneine is an interesting amino acid that is not well known in Europe. I am passionate about longevity and aesthetics, so I want to demystify some findings we have been excited about recently in medical research communities.”

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a naturally occurring amino acid that has recently gained attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in the realms of anti-ageing and neuroprotection. Trace amounts are found in foods such as certain mushrooms. It is considered vitamin-like because it has a role in cell metabolism and must be consumed directly — the body cannot build it from anything else you eat.

Short summary of the findings

• Anti-ageing in cells — EGT delays the onset of cellular senescence, supporting the body's natural DNA repair.
• Skin protection — a uniquely stable antioxidant that neutralises free radicals from UV exposure.
• Neuroprotection — crosses the blood-brain barrier via a dedicated transporter found for no other dietary antioxidant.

Anti-ageing in cells

Healthy cells replicate by first copying DNA, then the cell's machinery, before splitting into two complete cells. Because DNA controls this process, accurate copying is essential. Over time, DNA is damaged by oxidative stress — small pieces chipped away by oxidising particles. When damage overwhelms repair, cells enter a “senescent” (aged) state.

Research indicates EGT helps activate two parts of the DNA repair machinery, SIRT1 and SIRT6. SIRT1 activates DNA repair pathways and can slow ageing processes; SIRT6 shields DNA from damaging particles and replenishes the protective “end caps” — like the plastic tips on shoelaces — without which DNA would unravel.

Skin protection

Skin cells are constantly exposed to sunlight and oxygen, which together create highly reactive free radicals that damage DNA, proteins and collagen — leaving skin drier, less elastic, and prone to permanent wrinkles. In studies, skin cells treated with EGT showed less inflammation and less collagen breakdown after UV exposure.

EGT naturally collects in skin cells, where it works three ways: as an unusually stable antioxidant, by supporting the skin's own DNA repair, and by absorbing some UV wavelengths — dissipating energy harmlessly as heat instead of causing a DNA strand break.

Neuroprotection

The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which stops almost everything in the blood from entering. Because the brain burns so much energy (about 20% of all oxygen), it produces an unusually large number of oxidising particles.

EGT has a natural gateway into the brain thanks to a dedicated transporter your neurons have evolved — a “super highway” no other known dietary antioxidant has. Once inside, it accumulates in brain regions responsible for movement, learning and memory, neutralising oxidising byproducts and deactivating toxic heavy metals. Beyond protection, it appears to support repair through the mTOR-S6K1 and TrkB signalling pathways.

Final thoughts

Ergothioneine is a fascinating compound with promising anti-ageing and neuroprotective research. As this research continues to unfold, EGT may play a significant role in our understanding of healthy ageing — paving the way for healthier, longer lives.

Reference: Paul B.D. (2022), “Ergothioneine: A Stress Vitamin with Antiaging, Vascular, and Neuroprotective Roles?”, Antioxidants & Redox Signalling. DOI 10.1089/ars.2021.0043. Educational summary only; no product endorsement.