Ergothioneine (EGT) is an amino acid derivative found in just a few foods that may help support overall health in the human body. Mushrooms are the richest source of EGT. Since the body cannot produce EGT on its own, it must be obtained through the diet. However, intake through diet alone is often limited, especially in Western countries where mushroom consumption tends to be low. EGT is just one of several compounds found within mushrooms that may help support the body’s normal processes. EGT has gained attention for its potential role in supporting many areas of health, including cognitive health, energy production, healthy aging, and promoting a normal antioxidant status and inflammatory responses. 

1. Ergothioneine and Brain Health

Clinical trials investigating the effects of EGT on brain health are limited. However, preclinical research (meaning research using animals or in test tubes) supports that EGT crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and accumulates in the hippocampus and cortex. These specific regions of the brain support memory and cognition. EGT is transported into the brain by a receptor that is present on neurons and glial cells – two important cells of the brain. Preclinical studies support that EGT promotes brain health by supporting normal inflammatory responses within the brain. Animals that were given EGT exhibited improved memory, learning behavior, and improved the brain’s natural defenses against stressors, including those associated with age-related cognitive changes.

In one small study, researchers worked with a group of adults aged 60 to 90 years. Half of the group was given 25 mg of EGT three times per week (a total of 75 mg per week) for one year, while the other group was given a placebo. The group that was given EGT exhibited increased amounts of it in their blood over the year, suggesting that it was being absorbed in the body and even possibly stored. The group that was given EGT also exhibited improved performance on learning assessments compared to the group given the placebo. 

Another important factor supportive of brain health is sleep, which helps with feeling alert and focused. Studies investigated the relationship between EGT and sleep quality. The groups that were given EGT experienced better sleep as measured by self-reported changes from a survey. “Better sleep” translates to more sleep (increased total duration) and more restorative sleep. These results suggest a connection between EGT and the body’s sleep mechanisms, although more research is needed to make more definitive conclusions. 

2. Ergothioneine and Antioxidant Status

When taken for extended periods of time, EGT accumulates in the body. This suggests that the body doesn’t break it down, but, in contrast, may store it in specific tissues. This makes EGT different from other compounds (like glutathione), which tend to be broken down and removed from the body quickly. In animal models, EGT was found to support antioxidant status by activating enzymes that help with the removal of potentially harmful compounds. While these studies give clues about how EGT behaves in animal models, more research is needed to understand how it behaves in the human body. 

3. Ergothioneine and Healthy Aging

A growing body of preclinical research suggests that EGT may help support healthy aging by helping support cells’ everyday actions. Notably, research involving animals reported that animals that were not able to absorb EGT exhibited shorter lifespans. When EGT was added to their diets, the animals experienced signs of improved physical function and longer lifespans compared to those who did not receive EGT.  

Some of the interest around EGT and aging also comes from its effect on something called sirtuins. Sirtuins are special proteins that help protect cells from stress, support DNA health, and support the body’s ability to generate energy and regular repair. EGT has been observed in lab studies to influence sirtuin activity, including SIRT1 and SIRT6 – both of which are linked to age-related changes in cells. While this research is still in early stages, the findings are opening up new areas for understanding how EGT may interact with pathways related to aging. 

4. Ergothioneine, Mitochondrial Health, and Energy

Mitochondria are tiny energy factories inside cells. They turn food into energy that the body recognizes and utilizes to support all bodily functions. The process of turning food into energy creates compounds that may be potentially harmful to mitochondria. Research is investigating how EGT may help support mitochondrial health. Compared to cells that could absorb EGT, the cells that could not absorb EGT experienced more damage to mitochondria when stressed. The cells that were given EGT exhibited improved stress resilience, or the ability to deal with everyday stressors. In one study, EGT was found inside the mitochondria, even in cases where normal transport systems were not working. This suggests that EGT may find alternative ways to enter and stay within the mitochondria during times of stress. 

5. Ergothioneine and Normal Inflammatory Responses

Researchers are studying how EGT may play a role in helping the body respond to everyday stress and environmental challenges. In early studies with animals and cells, EGT appeared to interact with certain immune cells and signals related to inflammation. Some signs suggest it may help maintain balance when the immune system is activated. However, this area of research is still developing, and further data is needed to fully understand how EGT may support normal inflammatory responses in humans.

Conclusion

EGT is a unique compound found mostly in mushrooms that is gaining scientific interest for its potential role in supporting overall health of the body. From early research in animals and cells, EGT has been observed in areas connected to brain health, healthy energy production, and healthy aging to supporting antioxidant status and normal inflammatory responses. While more human studies are needed to understand how it works in the body, the early findings are promising. Because the body cannot make EGT on its own, getting it from food (especially mushrooms) may be a helpful way to support overall health and wellness. 

To learn more about mushrooms and health:

The Immune Supportive Properties of Mushrooms

Supporting Health with Shiitake Mushrooms

Immunomodulation with Beta-Glucans

Recent Review Explores Health-Supportive Properties of Ganoderma Lucidum Extracts

By Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN