gamma-Glutamylcysteine

Dipeptide / Glutathione PrecursorRx: ResearchCompound: Research

Also known as: gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteine, L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteine, γ-GC, γ-glutamylcysteine

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

Summary

gamma-Glutamylcysteine (γ-GC) is an endogenous dipeptide consisting of glutamate and cysteine linked via a gamma-peptide bond. It is the rate-limiting intermediate in glutathione biosynthesis and possesses intrinsic antioxidant activity. It has been investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for oxidative-stress-related conditions and as a GSH-boosting supplement or research tool. It is not an approved pharmaceutical drug.

Mechanism of Action

Serves as the immediate biosynthetic precursor to glutathione (GSH); formed by gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCL) from glutamate and cysteine. Provides antioxidant capacity both directly (thiol group scavenges reactive oxygen species) and indirectly by supplying substrate for glutathione synthetase to complete GSH synthesis.

Routes of Administration

IntravenousOralTopical

Goals & Uses

  • Oxidative stress reductionAntioxidantModerate
  • Glutathione replenishmentAntioxidant / CytoprotectionModerate
  • NeuroprotectionNeurologyLow
  • HepatoprotectionCytoprotectionLow
  • Skin anti-aging / brighteningCosmetic / DermatologyLow

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to γ-GC or structurally related compoundsAllergyHigh
  • Cystinuria or cystine stone diseaseMetabolic DisorderModerate

Adverse Effects

  • Injection site irritationLocal ReactionUncommon
  • Theoretical pro-oxidant effects at supraphysiologic dosesOxidativeUnknown
  • Sulfur-related gastrointestinal discomfortGastrointestinalUncommon

Drug Interactions

  • Cisplatin / alkylating chemotherapeuticsModerate
  • Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)Moderate

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
  • Pediatric populationAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionUnapprovedNot approved by EMA; not listed as an authorized medicinal product.
  • United StatesUnapprovedNo FDA-approved drug product; available as research chemical and in some supplement products.
  • United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA as a medicinal product.

Not approved as a drug by FDA, EMA, or MHRA. Available as a research chemical and appears in some dietary supplement formulations. No IND or NDA on record as a standalone therapeutic.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

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