Ergothioneine

Other Names:1-carboxy-2-[2-mercaptoimidazole-4-(or 5)-yl]ethyl]-trimethyl-ammonium hydroxide, 2-Mercaptohistidine Trimethylbetaine, Ergotioneina, Erythrothioneine, ET, L-Ergo, L-Ergothioneine, S-alpha-carboxy-2,3-dihydro-N,N-N,-trimethyl-thioxo-1H-imidazole-4-eth-anaminium hydroxide, Sympectothion, Thiasine, Thiazine, Thiolhistidinebetaine, Thioneine, Thiozine.
Ergothioneine is an amino acid that is found mainly in mushrooms, but also in king crab, meat from animals that have grazed on grasses containing ergothioneine, and other foods. Amino acids are chemicals that are the building blocks for proteins.

Special Precautions of Ergothioneine

• Ergothioneine is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. But there isn’t enough information to know if ergothioneine is safe when taken as a supplement for medical purposes.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of ergothioneine during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Benefits and uses of Ergothioneine are

Researchers are investigating ergothioneine to determine if it can reduce swelling (inflammation) in the lungs and damage in the liver, kidneys, and brain.

• Liver damage.
• Cataracts.
• Alzheimer's disease.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Preventing wrinkles and reducing signs of aging, when applied to the skin.