Exploring the Potential of Ergothioneine in Cosmetics and Food
Ergothioneine, a natural antioxidant, has been identified as a candidate for the "longevity vitamin," contributing to the maintenance of health and the extension of healthy life spans. Recent research has indicated its potential benefits for brain function improvement and skin health, leading to increasing interest in its applications across a wide range of fields, including cosmetics and food products. At NAGASE, we are committed to the fermentation production of ergothioneine.
Characteristics of Ergothioneine: Contributing to Healthy Lifespan
Almost All Living Organisms Store It
Ergothioneine is a rare amino acid known for its exceptional antioxidant properties and is a naturally occurring compound. While ergothioneine is found in many organisms, only mushrooms and certain microorganisms can synthesize it on their own. Humans and plants accumulate ergothioneine in their bodies through the food chain.
Since its discovery in rye in 19091, its functions remained largely unclear for almost a century. In 2005, the efficient uptake of ergothioneine by human cells was discovered2, leading to a surge of interest and extensive research worldwide aimed at uncovering its physiological functions.
Recent studies suggest that the specific uptake of ergothioneine by cells, including those in plants and animals, has been preserved through evolution and is becoming increasingly recognized as a substance that contributes to human health and longevity.
Powerful Antioxidant Action
Increased levels of reactive oxygen species in the body can lead to aging, cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, and wrinkles.
Ergothioneine possesses antioxidant properties that can eliminate reactive oxygen species. Its antioxidant capacity is reported to be approximately 3 to 30 times greater than that of glutathione, which is the most abundant and important antioxidant in the body3.
*Variations depend on the type of reactive oxygen species.
Many antioxidants prevent cellular oxidation by undergoing their own oxidation; however, they tend to react readily with oxygen, becoming unstable and breaking down in its presence.
In contrast, ergothioneine has low reactivity with oxygen, allowing it to remain stable and effective over the long term, even in oxygen-rich environments.
Moreover, ergothioneine can quickly react with harmful reactive oxygen species, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Research indicates that it also exhibits exceptional stability against heat and acid4 and has a high safety profile (no toxicity reported)5.
By being taken up by the cells of plants and animals, ergothioneine plays a role in preventing oxidative stress within cells. It is also suggested to contribute to energy production in mitochondria6.
*The mitochondria are organelles responsible for generating the energy necessary for cellular activities and are closely linked to human health.
Expected as "Longevity Vitamin"
Dr. Bruce Ames, a leading expert in aging research, proposes to categorize certain compounds as "longevity vitamins." These are not essential for basic life maintenance like vitamins but are crucial for long-term health and must be obtained through diet.
In this context, Dr. Ames identifies ergothioneine as a candidate for "longevity vitamins," supported by evidence that it may contribute to the maintenance of mitochondrial activity6.
Recent studies suggest that ergothioneine may have beneficial effects on various conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), depression, skin aging due to UV exposure (such as spots and wrinkles), cataracts, and the suppression of glycation stress.
Expected Benefits of Ergothioneine
Research to date has suggested that ergothioneine may be effective for the following symptoms.
Potential Targets of Ergothioneine
Maintaining and Improving Brain Function
- Dementia
- Parkinson's Disease
- Depression
Beauty Benefits
- Skin aging due to UV exposure (such as spots and wrinkles)
Improvement of Lifestyle-Related Diseases, etc.
- Cataracts, Retinopathy
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Liver Diseases (Fatty Liver, Liver Fibrosis)
- Kidney Diseases
- Diabetes Complications
- Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Nephropathy
- Cancer
- Frailty
Nagase's Innovative Ergothioneine Production Technology
Ergothioneine: A Material That Contributes to Healthy Lifespan
Research shows that the accumulation of ergothioneine decreases with age, suggesting that actively consuming ergothioneine may help suppress various age-related diseases.
Additionally, international studies comparing ergothioneine intake have reported a potential correlation between higher intake and increased longevity in certain countries.7
However, until now, it was considered impossible to produce ergothioneine inexpensively and in large quantities. Traditional methods include organic synthesis using petroleum-derived materials or extraction from mushrooms, but these approaches do not enable cost-effective and stable production.
To address this, NAGASE is developing innovative production techniques for ergothioneine using our unique biotechnology, aiming to make this valuable substance accessible to a wider audience.
Advancing Development with Patent Technology
We are currently focused on launching products in the cosmetics sector, with plans to expand into the food industry in the future.
NAGASE is committed to contributing to the extension of global healthy lifespans through environmentally friendly manufacturing powered by our bioproduction technologies.
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