For skincare enthusiasts, you’ve probably heard of ergothioneine (EGT).
Clinique, La Mer, Estée Lauder, Proya… many renowned skincare brands incorporate EGT in their formulations. From this widespread favor among top brands, we can see its potential in protecting the skin. But here’s what you might not know: ergothioneine not only protects your skin—it may even help extend lifespan.
Today, let’s dive deep into the story of ergothioneine: its origins, biological functions, and why it’s considered a hidden gem in anti-aging science.
The Origins of Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine gets its name because it was first isolated from the fungus Claviceps purpurea (ergot)—the same fungus that once caused the infamous “St. Anthony’s Fire” in medieval Europe. People eating contaminated bread experienced hallucinations, convulsions, and intense burning sensations in their limbs【1】. It wasn’t until later that researchers discovered the culprit: toxic ergot fungi infecting rye grains.
In 1909, Professor Tanret extracted a sulfur-containing alkaloid from ergot and named it ergothioneine (EGT)【2】. However, for decades, it remained largely overlooked by the scientific community. Instead, another compound from the same fungus stole the limelight—lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)【3】.
LSD went on to shape 20th-century counterculture, inspiring psychedelic rock and the hippie movement. Even today, LSD persists in underground drug culture in the form of colorful blotter tabs nicknamed “stamps.”
Meanwhile, EGT, the “low-key sibling,” took a slower path to recognition. As a sulfur-containing derivative of histidine, EGT was later found to exhibit antioxidant properties thanks to its unique tautomeric forms【5】【6】.
The Turning Point: OCTN1 Transporter and Bruce Ames
The true rise of EGT began with the discovery of its transporter protein OCTN1 in 2005. This protein, expressed throughout the human body, determines how different tissues accumulate ergothioneine after ingestion【7】.
Following this discovery, research on EGT surged. In 2018, Professor Bruce Ames of UC Berkeley declared EGT a potential “longevity vitamin” in a landmark paper【9】. Since then, publications on EGT have skyrocketed, and it has become a hot commodity in anti-aging and wellness supplements.
Why Ergothioneine is Called a “Longevity Vitamin”
1. Anti-Aging and Lifespan Extension
Levels of EGT in the human body decline with age【10】, and its depletion is also observed in age-related diseases【11】.
Recent studies have shown promising effects:
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In 2022, dietary supplementation with EGT extended the lifespan of fruit flies without reducing their reproductive capacity【12】.
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Another study found EGT-treated cells had longer telomeres and fewer critically short telomeres—a key marker of aging【13】【14】.
EGT also demonstrated benefits in elderly populations, improving outcomes in macular degeneration【15】, neurological disorders (like epilepsy)【16】, and cardiovascular diseases【17】.
2. Broad Health Benefits
Even beyond anti-aging, EGT shows promise for people of all ages:
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Skin Protection: EGT prevents UV-induced mitochondrial DNA damage【18】 and activates antioxidant pathways (e.g., Nrf2/ARE) to boost keratinocyte resilience【19】. This explains why so many high-end skincare brands include it.
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Reproductive Health: EGT is abundant in seminal plasma【20】 and has been shown to improve sperm count, motility, and reduce abnormalities in animal studies【21】. It’s even used in cryopreservation solutions to improve sperm storage【22】【23】.
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Other Benefits: Supports nervous system development【24】, prevents tissue fibrosis【25】, enhances cancer immunotherapy【26】, and even shows potential in COVID-19 treatment【27】.
3. How It Works (For Science Lovers)
EGT’s multifaceted effects are rooted in its molecular actions:
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Direct antioxidant activity, cycling between oxidized and reduced forms.
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Upregulation of defense proteins like Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1【30】.
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Activation of PI3K/Akt and FOXO pathways, promoting cell survival and longevity【31】【32】.
Though the mechanisms aren’t fully understood, research continues to uncover EGT’s bioactivity.
Supplementation: How to Get Ergothioneine?
Safety and Dosage
EGT is considered very safe—even doses up to 2000 mg/kg showed no toxicity in animal studies【33】.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends:
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Adults: 1.31 mg/kg body weight/day
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Infants & Children: Slightly higher doses per kg【34】
Sources of EGT
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Mushrooms: Edible fungi are the richest natural source, with shiitake and porcini leading the list【35】.
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Supplements: Available in capsule form, approved by the FDA and EFSA as a safe food additive【36】.
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Mother-to-Child Transfer: EGT is passed from mother to baby via the placenta and breast milk【37】.
From Fungi to Anti-Aging Star
From its humble beginnings in toxic fungi to a rising star in longevity science, ergothioneine has traveled an extraordinary path.
Perhaps one day, this overlooked molecule could play a key role in solving humanity’s greatest challenge: aging itself.