S-Methyl glutathione
Also known as: GSMe, S-Me-GSH, S-Methylglutathione, γ-L-Glutamyl-S-methyl-L-cysteinylglycine
Summary
S-Methyl glutathione is a synthetic, thiol-protected analog of glutathione where the free sulfhydryl group is replaced by a methylthio (S-CH3) group. It is used primarily as a biochemical research tool and reference compound for studying glutathione metabolism, enzyme kinetics, and redox biology. It is not an approved therapeutic agent.
Mechanism of Action
S-Methyl glutathione is a methylated derivative of glutathione (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) in which the thiol group of the cysteine residue is methylated. It acts as a stable glutathione analog, potentially modulating redox homeostasis, supporting antioxidant defense, and serving as a substrate or inhibitor in glutathione-dependent enzymatic pathways including glutathione S-transferases.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Glutathione metabolism tracerMetabolic ResearchModerate
- Glutathione S-transferase substrate/inhibitor researchEnzymologyModerate
- Antioxidant defense modulationBiochemical ResearchLow
Contraindications
- Human therapeutic useRegulatory/safetyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Unknown systemic effectsGeneralUnknown
Drug Interactions
No drug interactions recorded yet.
Population Constraints
- All clinical populationsRegulatory / SafetyAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot approved by EMA.
- United StatesUnapprovedNot approved by FDA; available only as a research chemical.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA.
No approved therapeutic indication in any major jurisdiction. Used as a research/reference compound. Not listed as an approved drug by FDA, EMA, or MHRA.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.