Ergothioneine (ethylthiohistidine trimethyl ester, EGT, CAS number 497-30-3) is a compound discovered by a French scientist in the fungus Claviceps purpurea in 1909. Its molecular formula is C9H15N3O2S and its molecular weight is 229.3. The pure form is a white crystal that is soluble in water and does not undergo self-oxidation under physiological pH conditions or strong alkaline solutions. It exists in two isomers: thiol and thione. Ergothioneine is distributed in certain tissues and organs of mammals, mainly in red blood cells (about 1-2 mmol/L) and the semen of some animals. There are pathways for the absorption and retention of ergothioneine within animal cells.
Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through food. In 2005, the OCTN1 transporter protein was discovered to be responsible for its enrichment in the liver, kidneys, and brain. In 2020, it was listed as a biomarker related to longevity in the journal Nature. Chemical synthesis of ergothioneine has faced the problem of racemization, and the first commercial synthesis was achieved. With the development of synthetic biology technology, high-purity raw materials have been produced on a large scale through methods such as genetic editing of engineered strains. Ergothioneine has multiple physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, detoxification, maintaining DNA synthesis, regulating cellular immunity, and maintaining normal cell growth. It is widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Its application in anti-aging cosmetics has received continuous research attention. In 2025, clinical research explored the effects of ergothioneine supplements on skin collagen density, elasticity, etc., and studied its potential effects on sleep, cellular energy, and memory scores. In 2025, ergothioneine received attention in the dietary supplement industry, and related products were present in the market. In 2025, Nature Aging pointed out that the anti-aging mechanism of ergothioneine has expanded from single antioxidant to comprehensive cell function regulation.
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