Glutathione
An antioxidant tripeptide the body makes itself; small trials of oral and intranasal glutathione show mixed or no clear benefits.
What it is
Works as an antioxidant: it helps enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases and glutathione S-transferases neutralize peroxides and inactivate foreign chemicals. The liver is the main source of glutathione in blood.
What it is studied for
Trials have tested whether oral glutathione raises the body's own levels or lowers oxidative stress in healthy adults, and whether intranasal glutathione helps people with Parkinson's disease, in which glutathione is depleted early. FDA's 2022 review also covered uses such as heavy-metal poisoning and skin lightening.
What the evidence says
Small human trials with mixed results
A 6-month trial in 54 adults found oral glutathione raised blood levels, which fell back after stopping; a 4-week trial in 40 adults found no change. In a 45-person Parkinson's trial, intranasal glutathione did no better than saline. FDA found no or insufficient evidence for every use it reviewed, including oxidative stress and heavy-metal poisoning.
How it was studied
Human trials have used oral glutathione in healthy adults and intranasal glutathione in small Parkinson's disease trials; FDA's review also describes small intravenous trials. No study of this particular nasal spray was found.
Regulatory status
Not part of any FDA-approved drug, according to FDA's 2022 review; oral glutathione is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. Glutathione disulfide, a different molecule, is an ingredient of an approved eye irrigation solution.
Where to find it
Detox
- Nasal spray Glutathione 500 mg per 10 mL bottle
Sold by USA Standard Research, the team behind PeptidesGenie, for research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
Sources
- 1PubChem: Glutathione, CID 124886 Chemical reference
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- 5Mischley et al. (2017): Phase IIb study of intranasal glutathione in Parkinson's disease Randomized human trial
Source-checked · 27 Oct 2026