Last verified: 7 days ago
L-Ergothioneine
Also known as: EGT, L-EGT, ergothioneine, 2-thiol-L-histidine betaine
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Natural antioxidant from mushrooms. Early research suggests anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects.
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What it does
L-Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid found mainly in edible mushrooms and fungi. It acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, accumulating in tissues via a...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
L-Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid found mainly in edible mushrooms and fungi. It acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, accumulating in tissues via a dedicated transporter (OCTN1). Early human and animal research suggests it may support ovarian hormone markers, reduce joint pain, protect the kidneys from stone-related damage, and slow age-related hearing loss — though most evidence comes from small or uncontrolled studies.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to reverse aging. No strong human trial evidence for any single benefit. The joint pain study used a multi-ingredient blend, so you can't credit ergothioneine alone. Don't expect dramatic results — most exciting findings are from animal models, not people.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May improve ovarian hormone markers in women with declining ovarian reserve.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 120 mg/day
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces kidney stone formation and renal inflammation in animal models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Slows age-related hearing decline in male aging mice.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces liver injury markers in diabetic and toxin-exposed animal models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies; it has a dedicated cellular transporter (OCTN1) suggesting efficient tissue uptake, but human pharmacokinetic data were not reported in the provided papers
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most human evidence comes from a single small pilot study (n=36-40) with no control group — results may reflect placebo effect or natural variation
- The joint pain study tested a multi-ingredient blend, not ergothioneine alone — you cannot attribute the results to this ingredient specifically
- No established optimal human dose from the provided studies
- Sex differences observed in animal hearing research — effects may not apply equally to all people
- Supplement products are already on the market despite very limited clinical trial data
Products Containing L-Ergothioneine
See how L-Ergothioneine is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does L-Ergothioneine do?
Natural antioxidant from mushrooms. Early research suggests anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects.
What is the effective dose of L-Ergothioneine?
No established dose from provided studies
Is L-Ergothioneine safe?
Most human evidence comes from a single small pilot study (n=36-40) with no control group — results may reflect placebo effect or natural variation
What doesn't L-Ergothioneine do?
Not proven to reverse aging.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-09-11