In the world of anti-aging, despite a dazzling array of antioxidants constantly appearing and competing for attention, one compound stands out from the crowd — not only does it dominate both the skincare and anti-aging sectors, it's also hailed as the next-generation “dark horse” of anti-aging: L-ergothioneine (ET).
Typically, discussions around ergothioneine revolve around its potent antioxidant capabilities. But a recent blockbuster study published in Cell Metabolism reveals: this compound is far more than just an antioxidant! Beneath its "antioxidant" disguise lies a hidden ability to boost NAD+ levels, potentially on par with NMN!
Curious about ergothioneine and more antioxidant secrets? Click the card below and message the keyword “Antioxidant” to unlock a complete guide to antioxidants and how to obtain ergothioneine.
What is Ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid, first isolated from ergot fungi and later found in a variety of flavorful mushrooms. With a high reduction potential, it has much stronger antioxidant power than traditional antioxidants like glutathione and vitamin E. It has been praised as a "longevity vitamin" by renowned biochemist Professor Bruce Ames.
Being a "longevity vitamin", it's naturally expected to deliver stellar results. And this latest study doesn’t disappoint — ergothioneine shows not only solid performance but also some surprising new benefits.
Study Highlights
🧬 1. Lifespan Extended by 20%
Using short-lived, transparent, and easily observable nematodes, researchers fed them 5mM of ergothioneine from day one of adulthood. The median lifespan of the worms increased by an average of 20% — and even at much lower concentrations (450μM), the effects remained.
🏃♂️ 2. Improved Physical Vitality
The boost in vitality was clearly visible — while the control worms moved lazily, the ergothioneine-fed worms thrashed their tails energetically, outperforming the control group by a wide margin.
🔥 3. Full Anti-Stress Buff
Aging brings increased vulnerability. To assess ergothioneine’s protective effect, researchers exposed the worms to four stressors: hydrogen peroxide, paraquat (toxic pro-oxidant), sodium arsenite (related to arsenic), and heat. Ergothioneine-fed worms had significantly higher survival rates on both day 4 and day 10.
✨ 4. Reduced Aging Pigments and Lipid Accumulation
Using fluorescent indicators, the study found that ergothioneine significantly lowered the levels of lipofuscin, a classic aging marker, and lipid accumulation in the worms.
🔋 5. Mitochondria Stay “Youthfully Smooth”
Aging typically leads to mitochondrial fragmentation. But in worms fed ergothioneine, their mitochondria remained long and smooth — resembling youthful energy factories. In contrast, the control group’s mitochondria had “crumbled.”
More Than Antioxidation: A New NAD+ Pathway
After seeing so many anti-aging effects, researchers asked: Could all of this really just be from antioxidation? Unlikely.
Digging deeper, they discovered ergothioneine wasn’t just playing the role of antioxidant — it successfully infiltrated mitochondrial metabolism, boosting NAD+ levels, much like NMN does!
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital molecule for cellular energy, metabolism, aging, DNA repair, and gene expression. As we age, NAD+ levels drop, leading to fatigue, muscle loss, and cellular decline.
In Mice: NAD+ Levels and Performance Skyrocket
After 3 weeks of ergothioneine supplementation, adult mice showed:
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Increased NAD+ levels in muscles
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Greater muscle strength and vascular health
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More active stem cells
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Enhanced endurance, less lactic acid buildup, and more stable energy during exercise
Even a 5-day regimen boosted NAD+ levels significantly.
What’s more impressive — compared to other NAD+ boosters like NR, NMN, and trigonelline, ergothioneine was equally effective, or even better, in both aged nematodes and mice.
How Does It Work?
Researchers found ergothioneine disguises itself as a substrate for CSE enzyme (cystathionine γ-lyase), a key enzyme that produces H₂S (hydrogen sulfide) — yes, the smelly gas in rotten eggs!
Since ergothioneine contains sulfur, it’s "digested" by CSE to generate H₂S. While H₂S smells unpleasant, in moderate amounts it’s a cellular ally: it helps modify proteins through PSSH (protein persulfidation), boosting vasodilation, neuroprotection, and metabolic health.
Ergothioneine-induced H₂S increased PSSH on over 300 proteins, mostly in mitochondria and vesicles — helping cells resist oxidative stress and maintain metabolism.
A Key Protein: cGPDH
Among the modified proteins, researchers identified cGPDH as a key target. Ergothioneine sulfhydrated cGPDH at Cys243, dramatically enhancing its activity. This enzyme converts glycerol-3-phosphate and simultaneously produces NAD+, boosting cellular energy metabolism.
In Summary:
Ergothioneine doesn’t just fight aging through antioxidation — it also:
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Acts as a CSE substrate
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Produces H₂S
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Activates cGPDH
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Enhances NAD+ production
Whether it’s boosting NAD+ or fighting inflammation and oxidation, ergothioneine is a true multi-role anti-aging warrior. Isn’t it time to consider supplementing?
Where Can You Find Ergothioneine?
It’s found throughout the body — red blood cells, bone marrow, kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines, brain, even semen, eyes, and breast milk. But here’s the catch: our bodies can’t produce it. We must get it from diet or supplements.
Top food sources: Mushrooms (like oyster mushrooms, king oyster, porcini), but also beef, pork, oats, and whole grains.
See chart: Ergothioneine content in common foods (mushrooms top the list!)
Is It Safe?
According to the European Food Safety Authority, ergothioneine is safe for general consumption, including infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
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Adults: max 30 mg/day (~250g fresh mushrooms)
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Children (3+): max 20 mg/day
While eating half a pound of mushrooms a day sounds tasty, be cautious — mushrooms are also high in purines, which can burden those prone to uric acid issues.
Supplement Options
To get effective, safe doses, supplements are your best bet. The market now offers capsules, drinks, skincare serums, creams, and more.
If you’d rather not binge on mushrooms daily, why not give ergothioneine a try?
Click the card below and message the keyword “Antioxidant” to unlock more info and sourcing options!
Final Thought
Until recently, ergothioneine was seen primarily as an antioxidant. But this groundbreaking research shows it has a whole new mechanism for boosting NAD+ levels. As a counterpart to NMN — once the star “anti-aging elixir” — ergothioneine now stands as a formidable competitor.
Whether it will ultimately surpass NMN and become the new dark horse of anti-aging remains to be seen. But for now, it’s certainly one to watch — and maybe even try.
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