Ergothioneine
When we think of antioxidants, we think of vitamins A, C and E and polyphenols, which are found in many berries, tomatoes and spices such as turmeric. Ergothioneine (EGT), on the other hand, is not as well known, despite its extremely beneficial effects. This naturally occurring amino acid is named after the ergot mushroom from which it was first purified in 1909. Ergot mushrooms, more commonly known as rye mushrooms, belong to the genus Claviceps. There are around 50 known species, most of which are found in tropical regions. These include Claviceps purpurea (“rye ergot”), Claviceps fusiformis, which attacks buffalo grass and pearl millet, and Claviceps lutea, which is found on paspalum grasses. Ergothioneine is relatively rare and is mainly found in other fungi such as shiitake and oyster mushrooms, the crested scorpion fish (Coprinus comatus), the orange-yellow mushroom (Cordyceps militaris), and cyanobacteria and actinobacteria.
Humans only consume the amino acid in food. Significant amounts are found in red peppers, broccoli, chicken liver and green beans. However, plants only take up ergothioneine from the soil through their roots. The amount of ergothioneine in a plant therefore depends on the soil conditions. EGT is now available as a food supplement. The European Food Safety Authority has set a safe maximum daily intake of 1.31 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for adults. EGT is rapidly absorbed by the body and accumulates in the bloodstream in the eyes, bone marrow, liver, kidneys, seminal fluid and red blood cells.
The effect of ergothioneine
In its pure form, ergothioneine is a highly water-soluble, odourless, white solid. It has strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, counteracting oxidative stress in cells by deactivating hypochlorous acid and hydroxyl radicals. It can prevent the formation of radicals by chelating divalent metal cations. It is also involved in the transport of metal ions and the regulation of metalloenzymes.
EGT also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is able to support the effect of vitamin C in our skin, which makes it interesting for combined formulations. Ergothioneine is, of course, officially approved for use in cosmetic products.
The effectiveness of antioxidants such as ergothioneine has already been demonstrated in an extensive study at Taipei Medical University. Very old rats were fed with mushroom extracts. The researchers found that the rats’ internal organs were significantly protected against ageing.
However, not all the positive properties of ergothioneine have been confirmed in vivo. However, it seems certain that the amino acid has a general immunomodulatory effect and can protect the brain from certain neurotoxins. It has also been shown to protect our skin from UV rays. The effects of EGT against various inflammations and in the treatment of various diseases have already been well researched, but further studies are still needed.
EGT in cosmetics
Ergothioneine is often valued for its powerful antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced in the environment, such as UV radiation and pollution, which can cause oxidative stress in the skin, leading to premature ageing and other skin problems. As an antioxidant, the amino acid can help neutralise these free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Ergothioneine is also valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe skin irritations and strengthen the skin barrier, which in turn can help improve skin condition.
In summary, ergothioneine, with its strong antioxidant activity, is an ideal ingredient for innovative anti-ageing cosmetics. It can be combined in a variety of ways, for example in day and night creams, beauty boosters and serums.
Ergothioneine profile
INCI: Ergothioneine
CAS number: 497-30-3
EINECS: 207-843-5
Abbreviation: EGT
Definition: Thiourea derivative of histidine, non-proteinogenic amino acid
Description: white solid
Melting point: 275 to 277 degrees Celsius
Effect: strongly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
We like to work with these EGT-containing active ingredients:
| Trade Name | Company Name | INCI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ergothioneine | COSROMA | Ergothioneine | |
| Creapep Ergothioneine | Tidetron Bioworks | Ergothioneine | |
| Ergothioneine , Mannitol | COSROMA | Ergothioneine , Mannitol | |
| 500ppm L-Ergothioneine(EGT) Solution | Hangzhou Rebtech Novel Material Co., Ltd. | Ergothioneine , Water | |
| Bioyouth-EGT Pure Ultrapure Ergothioneine | Bloomage Biotechnology Corp., Ltd. | Ergothioneine | |
| AC-EGT | SOHO ANECO Chemicals Co., Limited | Ergothioneine | |
| WActive EGT | Shenzhen Winkey Technology Co., Ltd. | Ergothioneine | |
| AC-EGT Zero additive | SOHO ANECO Chemicals Co., Limited | Ergothioneine , Water | |
| Bioyouth-EGT | Bloomage Biotechnology Corp., Ltd. | Ergothioneine , Tricholoma Matsutake Mycelium Ferment Extract |
Ergothioneine , the secret weapon against skin ageing processes
Discovered in 1909, this substance with its impressive antioxidant and cell-protecting properties is virtually predestined for high-quality premium cosmetics. It can effectively counteract the skin’s ageing process and is very well tolerated, as it is also found in the human body when ingested with food. Cosmacon can formulate exclusive premium cosmetics with EGT for you on request.
Sources:
Ergothioneine and its prospects as an anti-ageing compound.; Exp Gerontol. 2022 Dec;170:111982.
Safe and Effective Antioxidant: The Biological Mechanism and Potential Pathways of Ergothioneine in the Skin.; Molecules. 2023 Feb 8;28(4):1648.
Construction and optimization of ergothioneine-producing Escherichia coli.; Wang L, Wang Y, Li J, DU G, Kang Z.Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2022 Feb 25;38(2):796-806
Antioxidant Properties and Industrial Uses of Edible Polyporales.; Quintero-Cabello KP, Lugo-Flores MA, Rivera-Palafox P, Silva-Espinoza BA, González-Aguilar GA, Esqueda M, Gaitán-Hernández R, Ayala-Zavala JF.J Fungi (Basel). 2021 Mar 9;7(3):196.
Recent progress in ergothioneine biosynthesis: a review; Liu Q, Mao Y, Liao X, Luo J, Ma H, Jiang W.Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2022 Apr 25;38(4):1408-1420