L-ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has been found to have potential health benefits. It is commonly found in mushrooms, liver, and other foods, and has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of a variety of health conditions. In this article, we'll explore the latest research on the risks and benefits of L-ergothioneine.

What is L-Ergothioneine?

L-ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is produced by certain fungi and bacteria. It is found in high concentrations in mushrooms, as well as in other foods such as liver, kidney, and black beans.

Benefits of L-Ergothioneine

Antioxidant Properties

One of the most well-known benefits of L-ergothioneine is its antioxidant properties. L-ergothioneine has been found to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

L-ergothioneine has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a study conducted on human cells, L-ergothioneine was found to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines. This suggests that L-ergothioneine may have potential for use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Improved Cognitive Function

L-ergothioneine may also have benefits for cognitive function. In a study conducted on mice, L-ergothioneine was found to improve spatial memory and learning ability. This suggests that L-ergothioneine may be a potential treatment option for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

L-ergothioneine has also been found to have potential anti-cancer properties. In a study conducted on human cancer cells, L-ergothioneine was found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Risks of L-Ergothioneine

Limited Research on Humans

While there is promising research on L-ergothioneine, much of it has been conducted on animals or in vitro. More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of L-ergothioneine for humans.

Potential Side Effects

Like any supplement, L-ergothioneine may have potential side effects. While there is limited research on the side effects of L-ergothioneine, some potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset, headache, and allergic reactions.

Quality Control

As with any supplement, there are concerns about the quality and purity of L-ergothioneine supplements. Consumers should only purchase supplements from reputable sources and should be wary of supplements that make unsubstantiated claims.

Conclusion

L-ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has been found to have a variety of potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, improved cognitive function, and potential anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of L-ergothioneine for humans. Consumers should be wary of potential side effects and only purchase supplements from reputable sources.

Sources

1. Cheah, I. K., et al. (2017). Ergothioneine levels in an elderly population decrease with age and incidence of cognitive decline; a risk factor for neurodegeneration? Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 486(4): 1051-55.

2. Halliwell, B. (2013). Ergothioneine—a diet-derived antioxidant with therapeutic potential. FEBS Lett, 587(21): 3739-47.