CAS 497-30-3

 

L-Ergothioneine is a rare, naturally occurring thio-histidine betaine - a sulfur-containing amino acid first identified in ergot fungus and later found across a range of fungi, bacteria, and certain plant and animal tissues. Unlike most nutrients, it cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation, a fact that has led some researchers to propose it may function as a conditionally essential nutrient.

 

 

Selective Tissue Uptake via a Dedicated Transporter

Unlike antioxidants that simply circulate passively in the body, L-Ergothioneine is actively transported into cells through a specific carrier protein. This transporter concentrates ergothioneine in tissues that are especially exposed to oxidative stress - including red blood cells, the liver, and the eye lens - at levels far higher than what would occur through passive diffusion. This selective, transporter-driven accumulation is one of the key reasons researchers have suggested ergothioneine may warrant vitamin-like status, rather than being classified as an ordinary dietary antioxidant.

 

Reusable Redox Cycling

Most antioxidant compounds are consumed once they neutralize a free radical. L-Ergothioneine is unusual in that, after being oxidized, it can be converted back to its active reduced form within the cell and reused, rather than being permanently degraded. This recycling capacity, combined with its high chemical stability, allows it to provide sustained protection in tissues over time rather than a single-use effect.

 

Emerging Cognitive and Neuroprotective Research

Studies have found that blood ergothioneine levels tend to decline with age, and lower levels have been associated with a higher incidence of cognitive decline in older adults, prompting ongoing clinical research into its potential role in supporting long-term brain health.

 

 

Sheerherb produces L-Ergothioneine powder through a controlled fermentation-to-crystallization workflow:

Fermentation → Broth Separation → Extraction & Purification → Crystallization → Drying & Micronization → QC Testing

A chemically synthesized route is also available on request for buyers with specific sourcing or documentation preferences.

 

 

We offer white label or private label customization services, including various dosage forms such as capsules, tablets, drops, strips, and gummies, and can be tailored to the customer's product specifications.

 

 

Sheerherb is a China-based L-Ergothioneine manufacturer and supplier operating under ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HALAL, Organic, GMP, HACCP, and FDA-registered quality systems. Every batch is independently tested for purity, heavy metals, and microbial safety, giving international buyers a verifiable basis for quality assurance rather than a general "trusted supplier" claim.

 

We operate our own fermentation and purification facility along with an in-house R&D team, allowing us to maintain batch-to-batch consistency and support customized purity specifications for buyers with specific formulation requirements - whether you are sourcing L-Ergothioneine for nutraceutical formulation, cosmetic application, or research use. Custom formulation is also available in capsule, tablet, drop, stick pack, and gummy formats to suit your product line.

 

If you are looking to buy L-Ergothioneine powder in bulk, request an ergothioneine price quote, or need documentation such as COA and MSDS to evaluate us as a supplier, our team responds to inquiries within 24 hours. Contact us at chriswang@sheerherb.com to place an order, request a sample, or discuss export logistics.