What does it do?

Antioxidant exposure; formulation-specific skin

Study

Scope of investigation or explicitly identified community interest; not an established indication.1

Molecular information

1

Amino-acid sequence

  1. γ-Glu
  2. Cys
  3. Gly

3 residues · N → C1

Length3 amino acids
Molecular weight · DaNot independently verified
Molecular formulaNot independently verified1

γE = gamma-glutamyl linkage, distinct from an ordinary alpha-peptide bond.

Sequence and formulation must be confirmed for the exact material; similarly named products are not necessarily interchangeable.

Pharmacokinetics

Reported half-lifeHuman kinetics not established1

No numerical human elimination estimate is assigned from animal experiments, related molecules, or an unsupported website estimate.

No numerical estimate was found in the checked data or Pep-Pedia profile. A curve would require an unsupported assumption.

What to expect

Study outcomes

Scope of evidence

Oral findings do not establish injectable safety or an anti-aging effect.1

Reported timelines

Reference & community

Injection/oral: 4–8 weeks

Source suggests subtle changes; not established response time.15

Nasal: 3+ months

Trial duration does not guarantee improvement.15

These are reported timelines, not a prediction of your response.

Doses & schedules

16 rows
Route

Scroll to compare all columns →

One row for each documented route and dose or dose range
RouteDoseFrequencyGoal / evidenceDurationReferences
Oral300 mg — micellar formulationSingle administrations in a crossover designOral exposure comparison14 healthy adultsHuman studyAcute crossover1
Oral500 mg — standard comparatorSingle administrations in a crossover designOral exposure comparison14 healthy adultsHuman studyAcute crossover1
IMIntramuscular200-400 mg1-2x weeklyGeneral antioxidant supportReference report4-8 weeks typical15
IVIntravenous200-400 mg1-2x weeklyGeneral antioxidant supportReference report4-8 weeks typical15
IVIV push or slow infusion400-600 mg2-3x weeklyDetoxification supportReference report4-8 weeks typical15
IMIntramuscular400-600 mg1-2x weeklyImmune supportReference report4-8 weeks typical15
IVIntravenous400-600 mg1-2x weeklyImmune supportReference report4-8 weeks typical15
IVIV infusion (clinical protocol)1400 mg3x weeklyNeurological support (Parkinson's research)Reference report4-8 weeks typical15
SubQSubcutaneous200 mg1x weeklyMaintenanceReference report4-8 weeks typical15
IMIntramuscular200 mg1x weeklyMaintenanceReference report4-8 weeks typical15
OralOral (liposomal preferred)250-500 mgDailyGeneral antioxidant supportReference reportCan be used ongoing15
OralOral liposomal or Sublingual500-1000 mgDaily, divided dosesEnhanced supportReference reportCan be used ongoing15
IntranasalNasal spray100-200 mg per nostril3x dailyNeurological support (PD research protocol)Reference report3+ months for neurological applications15
IntranasalNasal spray100 mg per nostril1-2x dailyGeneral brain health supportReference report3+ months for neurological applications15
OtherApply to face/target areas2-5% cream or serum1-2x dailySkin brighteningReference reportOngoing use required to maintain any effects15
OtherApply after cleansing2% creamDailyAntioxidant skin supportReference reportOngoing use required to maintain any effects15

Study and label doses retain their study context. Reference reports are unvalidated practices, not personal treatment instructions. Ranges remain ranges; escalation stages are labeled.

Cycles & timing

Reference reports15

Reported use periods and breaks. These do not establish a safe cycle or prove that breaks prevent tolerance.

Injectable

Use period
4-8 weeks typical
Break
4 weeks off after 4-8 weeks on is commonly recommended, though some protocols allow ongoing use
Reported timing

No specific timing required. Some prefer morning administration. IV often given in clinical settings.

Oral

Use period
Can be used ongoing
Break
Not typically required for oral supplementation
Reported timing

Morning preferred. Can split into morning and evening doses.

Nasal

Use period
3+ months for neurological applications
Break
Not established - ongoing use studied
Reported timing

Can be used any time of day. Space doses evenly throughout the day for multiple daily doses.

Topical

Use period
Ongoing use required to maintain any effects
Break
Not required
Reported timing

Evening application common. Use sunscreen during day if using for skin lightening.

Side effects & safety

Route boundary

Oral pharmacology cannot establish the safety of IV, IM or nebulized glutathione.

1

Small short-term study

A 14-person exposure study cannot rule out uncommon or long-term adverse effects.

1

Additional reported cautions

Reference reports15

Serious reactions

Anaphylaxis, liver injury and injection infection possible; jaundice, dark urine, breathing difficulty or unusual bruising need assessment.

Route-related effects

GI upset, nasal/skin irritation; inhaled forms may worsen asthma.

Uncertain high-dose safety

Source flags G6PD hemolysis and zinc depletion; pregnancy/lactation safety unestablished.

Not a complete safety screen. Discuss health decisions with a qualified clinician.

Combinations & interactions

3 entries

Check cautions and reported pairings. A compatibility claim does not establish that a combination is safe.

Chemotherapy

Caution reported

Oncology review; possible treatment interference.15

Reference report · Evidence context: Use caution

Vitamin C / niacinamide

Unverified pairing

Proposed antioxidant/topical complement; no general safety conclusion.15

Reference report · Evidence context: Reference pairing

Other peptides and medicines

Not established

A controlled interaction assessment for this exact compound and formulation was not identified in the sources checked. Absence of interaction data is not evidence of compatibility.2

Research context

Reconstitution

No verified preparation instructions

A product-specific preparation or sterility protocol has not been verified.2

Dilution

A concentration calculation cannot establish a suitable diluent, compatibility, storage interval, or sterility. No universal bacteriostatic-water volume is assigned.2

Reference preparation details

Reported handling information, not a validated formulation or instruction to prepare an injectable product.

Injectable

The source describes mostly premixed injections and product-specific handling of dry material.

Form
Source describes a prepared product
Reported parameters
It distinguishes IM/subcutaneous presentation from clinician-administered IV dilution.

Oral

Pep-Pedia repeats injection preparation text in this route view.

That repeated text does not establish an oral, nasal or topical formulation; use route-specific product instructions.

Nasal

Pep-Pedia repeats injection preparation text in this route view.

That repeated text does not establish an oral, nasal or topical formulation; use route-specific product instructions.

Topical

Pep-Pedia repeats injection preparation text in this route view.

That repeated text does not establish an oral, nasal or topical formulation; use route-specific product instructions.

15

Appearance & documentation

Appearance and a purity certificate cannot establish sterility, identity, or suitability for injection.

Reported appearanceLicensed Compounding PharmacyReported appearanceProper Form (Reduced GSH)Reported appearanceClear LabelingReported appearanceHealthcare Provider SupervisionReported variationpH Affects ComfortReported variationShort Half-LifeReported variationVariable BioavailabilityReported concernUnregulated Sources
15

Available forms

No verified packaging examples included.

Packaging examples, not a market survey. Approved and research products are not interchangeable.

Storage after mixing

Reconstituted research vials

Refrigerated lifetime not established

The checked sources do not establish how long this research preparation remains stable and sterile after mixing.15

Storage notes

15
Injectable

Refrigerate at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Use within manufacturer's expiration date.

Oral

Room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Refrigerate liposomal products after opening if directed.

Nasal

Refrigerate. Protect from light.

Topical

Per product instructions - typically room temperature away from light

Storage depends on the formulation, diluent, container, and handling. Follow the specific product label or pharmacist’s instructions.

Evidence limits

View findings →

Oral findings do not establish injectable safety or an anti-aging effect.1

2 distinct primary sources or abstracts checked. Evidence may concern a parent compound, individual blend ingredient, animal, or cell model; it does not necessarily establish a benefit for this exact product.

Evidence definitions →

Research findings

Human trials

Source context

NAC supports glutathione synthesis; glutathione itself is not a substitute for established acetaminophen-overdose treatment.

Compound identity & other names

Glutathione is an endogenous tripeptide involved in redox chemistry. Oral, topical, inhaled and injectable formulations are different interventions; increasing a blood biomarker does not itself demonstrate better health.

Other names: GSH · Reduced glutathione

Investigational; this profile does not establish an approved use.

Reduced glutathione; γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine1

How it may work

Redox regulation, antioxidant recycling and conjugation; oral, liposomal, nasal and topical delivery have different evidence.15

Oral formulation bioavailability

A micellar product produced greater exposure than comparison products. Doses and formulations differed; short biomarker follow-up cannot establish long-term health benefit.

1

Source checks & newer research

Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease

In 45 participants over 3 months, neither glutathione arm improved symptoms more than placebo. Improvement from baseline alone did not establish efficacy.

Human randomized placebo-controlled trial16

Research areas and evidence gaps

Antioxidant exposure; formulation-specific skin research. Scope of investigation or explicitly identified community interest; not an established indication.1

  • Oral findings do not establish injectable safety or an anti-aging effect.
  • The evidence does not validate the identity, purity or handling of a separately sourced research product.

Additional uses listed by Pep-Pedia

Antioxidant and liver biology. Redox and detoxification pathways; not a proven general detox treatment.15

Immune function. T-cell, NK-cell and macrophage research.15

Neurological disease. Preliminary Parkinson research; efficacy over placebo not demonstrated.15

Skin appearance. Modest/temporary lightening claims; IV cosmetic use carries serious concerns.15

Community reports Unvalidated

Pep-Pedia reports use in the research-peptide community. These reports are not clinical evidence.2

Community protocol tables are unvalidated descriptions, not treatment instructions.

Search coverage and review status

Additional recent evidence was checked, including A Targeted Metabolomic Assessment of Oral Glutathione Bioavailability and Safety in Humans: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial. See individual source summaries for findings and limitations.

Checked
2026-10-12
Search
glutathione randomized trial 2025 2026 oral skin
Catalog
Pep-Pedia ↗ · 12 listed references retained
  • Targeted search, not a systematic or exhaustive review.
  • Retained bibliography entries marked Bibliography only have not been independently verified.
  • Distinct URLs may refer to the same publication; component and formulation boundaries remain important.

AI-prepared summaries. Independent medical editorial review is pending.

Community poll 10 topics · Pep-Pedia snapshot

Voluntary, unverified reports. These percentages do not measure effectiveness or safety.

Primary goal

General wellness53%
Anti-aging23%
Recovery/Healing13%
Cognitive enhancement4%
Other: Liver health 1%

The source hides 12 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.

Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.

Source & limitations

The source displays “1730 responses” for this profile. This is not a confirmed participant count or a denominator for individual questions.

  • Voluntary self-reports from Pep-Pedia visitors; identity, treatment, outcomes and timing are unverified. These data are not efficacy or safety estimates.
  • The source displays a profile-wide response label, not a confirmed unique participant count. It stays unchanged across questions. Question-specific denominators and absolute option counts are not exposed.
  • Only the top five categories are displayed for some questions. Extra categories are retained as an undisplayed-category count; their labels and percentages are unavailable.
  • Displayed percentages are rounded. They may not total 100%, especially where categories are hidden.
  • This is a dated snapshot, not a live survey or current recommendation.

References

Original sources and review status. Open a reference to read its summary.

16 sources

1A Targeted Metabolomic Assessment of Oral Glutathione Bioavailability and Safety in Humans: A Randomized Crossover Clinical TrialTrial · 2026 · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govAbstract checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

A 14-person oral crossover trial compared bioavailability of different glutathione formulations.

Oral formulation bioavailability

A micellar product produced greater exposure than comparison products. Doses and formulations differed; short biomarker follow-up cannot establish long-term health benefit.

Additional research · Checked 2026-10-12

Original source
2Pep-Pedia: GlutathioneCommunity · Accessed 2026 · pep-pedia.orgCommunity source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

Secondary community overview checked on 12 October 2026. Its practice tables and efficacy claims are not independently validated clinical guidance.

Original source
3Aebi, S., Assereto, R., Lauterburg, B.H. (1991). High-dose intravenous glutathione in man: Pharmacokinetics and effects on cyst(e)ine in plasma and urine. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 21(1), 103-110.Bibliography · 1991 · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

Pep-Pedia reports: Plasma glutathione rose rapidly after IV exposure and then declined with a reported half-life near 14 minutes.

Reported population / model
Human

Reported study details
2g/m² IV infusion · Rapid clearance · t½ ~14 minutes

Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.

Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗

Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed study
4Sian, J., Dexter, D.T., Lees, A.J., et al. (1994). Alterations in glutathione levels in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders affecting basal ganglia. Annals of Neurology, 36(3), 348-355.Bibliography · 1994 · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

Pep-Pedia reports: Postmortem Parkinson's brain samples reportedly had about 40% lower substantia-nigra glutathione; this does not establish benefit from supplementation.

Reported population / model
Human

Reported study details
Post-mortem · 40% reduction in substantia nigra

Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.

Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗

Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed study
5Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's DiseaseTrial · 2017 · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPrimary source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

In 45 participants over 3 months, neither glutathione arm improved symptoms more than placebo. Improvement from baseline alone did not establish efficacy.

Pep-Pedia bibliography; reconciled with an existing checked primary-source record · Checked 2026-10-12

Original source
6Glutathione for Skin Lightening - Systematic Review (2025)Review · 2025 · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

Pep-Pedia reports: The review describes limited skin-lightening evidence, modest oral/topical signals and greater safety concerns for IV use.

Reported population / model
Review

Reported study details
Multiple RCTs · Oral, IV, topical forms

Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.

Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗

Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed study
7Droge, W., & Breitkreutz, R. (2000). Glutathione and immune function. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59(4), 595-600.Bibliography · 2000 · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

Pep-Pedia reports: The review links intracellular glutathione availability with T-cell proliferation and natural-killer activity; supplementation outcomes are a separate question.

Reported population / model
Review

Reported study details
Lymphocyte function · GSH depletion effects

Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.

Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗

Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed study
8GSH in Liver Detoxification - Phase II ConjugationBibliography · Not verified · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

Pep-Pedia reports: Glutathione participates in conjugation and removal of xenobiotics; its physiological role alone does not prove a benefit from extra dosing.

Reported population / model
Review

Reported study details
Hepatic metabolism · Xenobiotic detoxification

Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.

Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗

Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed study
9Lu, S.C. (2013). Glutathione synthesis. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1830(5), 3143-3153.Bibliography · 2013 · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE

Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.

Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed source
10Aebi, S., Assereto, R., Lauterburg, B.H. (1991). High-dose intravenous glutathione in man: Pharmacokinetics and effects on cyst(e)ine in plasma and urine. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 21(1), 103-110.Bibliography · 1991 · doi.orgLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE

Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.

Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed source
11Sian, J., Dexter, D.T., Lees, A.J., et al. (1994). Alterations in glutathione levels in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders affecting basal ganglia. Annals of Neurology, 36(3), 348-355.Bibliography · 1994 · doi.orgLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE

Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.

Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed source
12Mischley, L.K., Lau, R.C., Shankland, E.G., Wilbur, T.K., Padowski, J.M. (2017). Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Parkinson's Disease, 7(2), 289-299.Bibliography · 2017 · doi.orgLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE

Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.

Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed source
13Droge, W., & Breitkreutz, R. (2000). Glutathione and immune function. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59(4), 595-600.Bibliography · 2000 · doi.orgLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE

Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.

Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed source
14Lu, S.C. (2013). Glutathione synthesis. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1830(5), 3143-3153.Bibliography · 2013 · doi.orgLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE

Reference retained from Pep-Pedia’s bibliography. The original source and the website’s description have not been independently verified; the listed title may not match the linked record.

Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12

Listed source
15Pep-Pedia: Glutathione — route-specific referenceReference page checked; underlying claims require separate verification.Community · Checked 2026 · pep-pedia.orgCommunity source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

Source page checked across available routes. Protocols, cycles, storage, mechanisms and pairing claims are secondary reports; checking the page does not independently validate those claims. Original concise summaries are used here.

Content coverage audit · Checked 2026-10-12

Original source
16Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's DiseaseTrial · 2017 · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPrimary source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY

In 45 participants over 3 months, neither glutathione arm improved symptoms more than placebo. Improvement from baseline alone did not establish efficacy.

Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease

In 45 participants over 3 months, neither glutathione arm improved symptoms more than placebo. Improvement from baseline alone did not establish efficacy.

Additional primary-source check · Checked 2026-10-12

Original source
Source details