Product Introduction

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring sulfur-containing amino-acid derivative found in foods such as mushrooms. Research indicates that humans express the OCTN1 transporter, which is associated with ergothioneine uptake and distribution in selected tissues and cells. As an active ingredient for food, dietary supplement, and personal-care formulations, ergothioneine is commonly explored for antioxidant, photoprotection, and skin-condition support applications.

Antioxidant and Cellular Protection

Mitochondrial and Neurological Health Research

Skin Health and Photoprotection Applications

Ergothioneine Natural Fermentation Derived Active Ingredient

Dr.Ergo® L-Ergothioneine is a high-purity, naturally fermentation-derived ingredient independently developed by Shanghai Ergothioneine Biotechnology Group. Produced using synthetic-biology and high-cell-density fermentation technologies, it can achieve purity of up to 99.99%. With high purity, strong stability, and excellent batch-to-batch consistency, the product is supported by a comprehensive quality-control system. It is suitable for use in dietary supplements, functional foods, nutrition and wellness products, and cosmetics, providing customers worldwide with a safe, consistent, and sustainable natural active-ingredient solution.

Chemical name: 2-mercaptohistidine trimethylbetaine

Molecular formula: C₉H₁₅N₃O₂S

Molecular weight: 229.298 g/mol

Research indicates that OCTN1 is associated with the transport and tissue distribution of ergothioneine in the human body.

Feature Introduction

Healthy Aging Support

Ergothioneine is actively taken up through OCTN1 and may accumulate in tissues exposed to high oxidative stress, including mitochondria-rich cells and the skin. It may help scavenge free radicals, support cellular redox balance, and mitigate oxidative-stress-related cellular damage. Its antioxidant and cell-protective properties make it a relevant active ingredient for ingestible beauty and healthy-aging formulations; it may be formulated in complementary combinations with ingredients such as coenzyme Q10 and spermidine.

Brain Health

Through OCTN1-mediated transport, ergothioneine can distribute to multiple tissues, including the brain, and may cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. Multiple observational studies have reported an association between lower circulating ergothioneine levels and cognitive decline or neurodegenerative conditions. Mechanistic research has explored its potential role in neuronal protection through antioxidant activity, inflammation modulation, metal chelation, and support of mitochondrial redox homeostasis. Preliminary intervention studies in older adults suggest potential relevance to memory, cognition, and sleep.

Skin Health

Ergothioneine may accumulate in skin tissue and help defend against photoaging associated with ultraviolet exposure and oxidative stress. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study (30 mg/day for 8 weeks), multiple skin-aging-related indicators improved significantly (p < 0.01).