Description
L-(+)-Ergothioneine is a naturally-occurring amino acid derived from histidine via hercynine. Ergothioneine is a stable antioxidant that scavenges and detoxifies free radicals and oxidants, increases intracellular thiol levels, controls nuclear factor-κB activation, and inhibits inflammatory gene expression. In addition, it inhibits the peroxynitrite-dependent nitration of nitrotyrosine, blocks oxidative DNA damage and cell death, and prevents the formation of xanthine and hypoxanthine. Ergothioneine is transported by the organic cation/carnitine transporter 1, which has been linked with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
Chemical Properties
White Solid
Uses
L-(+)-Ergothioneine is a natural molecule isolated from the rye ergot fungus and later identified in rat erythrocytes and liver and in numerous other animal tissues. Its antioxidizing properties may afford the compound therapeutic potential or it may be used as a food additive or in cosmetics.
Definition
ChEBI: Ergothioneine is a L-histidine derivative that is N(alpha),N(alpha),N(alpha)-trimethyl-L-histidine in which the hydrogen at position 2 on the imdazole ring is replaced by a mercapto group. A naturally occurring metabolite of histidine synthesized by bacteria and fungi with antioxidant properties. It is found ubiquitously in plants and animals and is present in many human foodstuffs. It has a role as an antioxidant, a fungal metabolite, a plant metabolite, a xenobiotic metabolite and a chelator. It is an amino-acid betaine, a L-histidine derivative and a sulfur-containing amino acid. It is a conjugate base of an ergothioneine(1+). It is a tautomer of an ergothioneine thione form.
Origin
Ergothioneine was discovered in 1909 by Charles Tanret, a French pharmacist and chemist. Tanret was examining the ergot fungus, which had recently been responsible for destroying crops, and he discovered the compound by using a purification process. The amino acid name ergothioneine originates from this fungus. Though this discovery is relatively recent, scientists speculate that ergothioneine may have originated from ancient earth. Due to its anaerobic nature (it does not require oxygen to function), it may have manifested in the earth's oxygen-free atmosphere more than three billion years ago While ergothioneine is not classified as one of the nine essential amino acids.
benefits
L-(+)-Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant, which has various physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, detoxification, maintaining DNA biosynthesis, normal cell growth and cellular immunity.
General Description
L-(+)-Ergothioneine (ET) is a sulfur-containing amino acid, which is only produced by Actinomycetales bacteria and non-yeast like fungi belonging to the division Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. It was originally isolated from Claviceps purpurea or rye ergot. It is obtained from L-histidine, which is converted into betaine form called hercynine. It is found in both animals and plants, and mammals usually obtain it from their diet, e.g. through mushrooms or oats. It is tautomeric in nature, and in neutral aqueous solution exists in thione form.
Biochem/physiol Actions
L-(+)-Ergothioneine (ET) has the maximum concentrations in tissues subjected to oxidative stress, with the highest being in blood, eye lens, bone marrow, semen and liver. It acts as an anti-oxidant and prevents apoptosis, by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The anti-oxidant activity is attributable to sulfhydryl groups. It acts as a substrate for SLC22A4 (solute carrier family 22, member 4) transporter. In alveolar macrophages, it prevents the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α. IL-8 is an inflammatory cytokine. It also regulates the oxidative damage in liver and kidneys, and has a protective action against lipid peroxidation. It is also responsible for the conservation of endogenous glutathione and α-tocopherol. ET being an antioxidant, protects against γ and UV radiation. In UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts, it scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), and suppresses matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP1) expression. It might also have anti-ageing effects on skin caused by UV-radiation.
Synthesis
The synthesis of L-(+)-Ergothioneine (ET; marketed as Ergoneine®) is performed in water and includes the following steps. First, l-hercynine is reacted with bromine and then with cysteine. The intermediate obtained is transformed into ET by heating in the presence of mercaptopropionic acid. Finally, the raw product is purified by crystallisation.
References
[1] Williamson R, et al. L-(+)-Ergothioneine Significantly Improves the Clinical Characteristics of Preeclampsia in the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure Rat Model. Hypertension , 2022; 75.
[2] Hoek S, et al. Engineering the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the Production of L-(+)-Ergothioneine. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2019.
