Highlights: 

  • Glutathione (GSH) targets multiple hallmarks of aging, such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, making it a prime candidate for longevity interventions.
  • Pharmacist Dr. Nayan Patel’s research emphasizes the effectiveness of transdermal GSH delivery, which offers improved absorption and bioavailability.

In a recent episode of The Ultimate Human Podcast, host and human biologist Gary Brecka interviewed pharmaceutical expert and clinical researcher Dr. Nayan Patel. Uniquely, the two longevity enthusiasts delved into the science behind glutathione (GSH), a powerful compound coined the “Mother of All Antioxidants,” and Dr. Patel’s research on GSH delivery into the human body. 

What Does Glutathione Do?  

GSH, found in every cell, is one of our body’s most abundant and potent antioxidants, composed of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. Although found in some natural sources like asparagus, avocados, and broccoli, this tripeptide is primarily produced in the liver. There, it plays a major role in detoxification pathways, which help the body process and eliminate toxins, drugs, and other harmful substances. 

On top of detoxifying our cells, GSH helps neutralize free radicals – unstable molecules that wreak havoc on cellular structures. Free radicals are the inevitable byproduct of the body’s metabolic activities and exposure to environmental stressors. Moreover, the abundance of free radicals leads to increased oxidative stress, an accelerator and hallmark of aging tied to a myriad of age-related diseases.

Dr. Patel points out that while the production of free radicals is an inescapable aspect of our biology that promotes aging, we might be able to influence the pace of aging by quenching free radicals more effectively with antioxidants like GSH. He believes that by enhancing our GSH levels, we can strengthen the body’s mechanisms to mitigate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress, which will ultimately promote healthier aging.  

Countless studies have examined the role of GSH in health and aging. Remarkably, one study found that supplementing mice with GlyNAC, a compound that significantly increases GSH levels, prolongs rodent lifespan by 24%. Remarkably, when the study’s researchers gave GlyNAC to older adults, treated subjects exhibited improved memory and physical performance.  

The research group posited that GlyNAC’s effects stemmed from mitigating several hallmarks of aging, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondria. Collectively, these findings indicate that replenishing GSH could have a profound impact on human longevity, potentially extending lifespan and improving overall health.

Some other potential benefits of glutathione are: 

Challenges in Glutathione Delivery 

Traditional methods of GSH supplementation, such as oral and intravenous administration, often face challenges related to absorption and practicality. Dr. Patel explains that, when ingested, GSH breaks down into its constituent amino acids, which are later reassembled into GSH by the body. However, Dr. Patel points out that many people cannot do this efficiently, leading to insufficient GSH restoration and diminished benefits.

Dr. Patel’s innovative research focuses on the transdermal delivery of GSH, offering a non-invasive and efficient method to increase GSH levels in the body. His patented technology stabilizes glutathione in a water-based system, ensuring its effectiveness until it is absorbed through the skin. Dr. Patel asserts that this approach allows for consistent absorption and delivery into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system’s harsh environment and first-pass metabolism.

Brecka touted Dr. Patel’s transdermal GSH product, stating that he sprayed it on his arm before the podcast and felt an immediate and noticeable increase in energy and mental clarity. While impressive, it is important to note that the product’s effects will vary among individuals. 

Dr. Patel Says NAD+ Can Potentially Enhance Glutathione

In addition to sharing his research on transdermal delivery to enhance GSH levels, Dr. Patel highlights his research on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Not only is NAD+ essential for energy production, DNA repair, and mitochondrial maintenance, but it is also heavily involved in GSH synthesis. It follows that by replenishing NAD+ levels, which naturally decline with age, GSH synthesis might increase and our risk for age-related diseases may also decrease.  

The most common method of replenishing NAD+ involves supplementation with precursors like NMN and NR. Clinics have also experimented with direct NAD+ IV infusions, although it is unclear whether this method of delivery has superior benefits over oral consumption of precursors. Oral precursors generally work because they are easily absorbed into cells and converted to NAD+. The same cannot be said for oral NAD+, as studies show it won’t be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. 

Dr. Patel claims that he has developed a “stable” form of NAD+, but given its constraints with oral consumption, he is conducting extensive research on optimizing delivery, focusing on topical, sublingual, and nasal delivery. Dr. Patel notes that this kind of research takes many years to complete, but he is excited about the potential possibilities of enhancing human health and longevity with NAD+ and GSH. 

A Promising Future for Glutathione in Longevity Research

GSH’s ability to enhance detoxification and target multiple hallmarks of aging, such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, positions it as a top candidate for longevity interventions. Dr. Patel’s advancements in transdermal GSH delivery also suggest that we may be able to increase cellular bioavailability, potentially allowing humans to reap the benefits of GSH. However, the lack of extensive human studies makes it too early to definitively confirm these benefits.

For those interested in exploring the complexities of glutathione (GSH), consider reading Dr. Patel’s book, “The Glutathione Revolution,” which delves deeply into the science and benefits of this indispensable antioxidant.