Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide, gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, carrying a free thiol (-SH) group on its cysteine residue. That reactive thiol group is what makes it the cell's main low-molecular-weight redox buffer, and it shows up regularly in research on redox homeostasis, xenobiotic detoxification through glutathione-S-transferase pathways, and the metabolic shifts associated with cellular ageing. Molecular weight 307.32 g/mol, CAS 70-18-8.
Supplied as a dry, white lyophilized powder. Every lot is checked by HPLC, which gives the consistency needed for reproducible experiments. Exact per-lot analytical values are listed in the accompanying certificate of analysis (COA).
Reduced form (GSH) and cellular redox status
Inside the cell, glutathione exists in a reduced (GSH) and an oxidized (GSSG) form, and the GSH/GSSG ratio is what lab models use as a marker of oxidative stress. This lot supplies the reduced form (GSH) as a dry reagent for research protocols; it is not an injectable cosmetic skin-lightening product and is not formulated for human administration. The full breakdown of mechanism, tripeptide structure, and source references lives in a dedicated wiki article, linked below.
Verifying a lot against its COA
- Find the LOT number on the vial and outer packaging.
- Open the PDF for this substance in the COA archive.
- Check the substance name, the test method (HPLC), and the purity result units.
- Log the receipt date and the PDF link in your batch record.
COAs are issued by independent third-party labs; a report confirms the analytics at the time of testing, not the material's medical status.
Storage
Store protected from light and moisture; a freezer is recommended for long-term storage. The reduced form is sensitive to oxidation, so minimise unnecessary exposure to air once the vial is opened.
Where to read further
Reference material only. Not medical advice. This reagent is for laboratory research use only (RUO).