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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/) · Molecule

# Glutathione (GSH)

Glutathione is a tripeptide with a thiol group that neutralises oxidants and toxins; it is the main antioxidant inside the cell.

Updated 2026-11-01

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## Key facts

- A tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine and glycine; the glutamate bond is γ, rare in proteins.
- Cysteine's –SH group donates electrons: two GSH are oxidised to GSSG (a disulfide).
- Glutathione reductase regenerates it with NADPH (pentose phosphate pathway) and FAD.
- It is made in two ATP-using steps (γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase).

**Also called**
γ-Glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine

**Formula**
C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S

**PubChem**
[CID 124886](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/124886)

## Structure

- γ-Glu-Cys-Gly: the cysteine thiol is the active part.

## Clinical notes

- In acetaminophen overdose, the toxic metabolite (NAPQI) depletes liver glutathione; N-acetylcysteine supplies cysteine to rebuild it.
- In G6PD deficiency GSH is not regenerated: hemolytic crises with Heinz bodies.
- Glutathione synthetase deficiency causes hemolytic anemia and, in its severe form, metabolic acidosis with 5-oxoprolinuria.

## Drugs that act here

- [Acetylcysteine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/acetylcysteine/)

## Related

- [Glutathione peroxidase (GPX)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/glutathione-peroxidase/)
- [Reactive oxygen species and antioxidants](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/reactive-oxygen-species-and-antioxidants/)
- [Catalase](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/catalase/)
- [Superoxide dismutase (SOD)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/superoxide-dismutase/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which amino acids make up glutathione?

Glutamate, cysteine and glycine; the cysteine thiol is the working part.

## Which enzyme regenerates GSH and which coenzyme does it use?

Glutathione reductase, with NADPH (and FAD as prosthetic group).

## Why is N-acetylcysteine given in acetaminophen poisoning?

It supplies cysteine to rebuild the glutathione that NAPQI used up in the liver.

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Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Glutathione (CID 124886)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/124886) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; [Glutathione synthesis and recycling](https://reactome.org/PathwayBrowser/#/R-HSA-174403) (Reactome, 2026); [Glutathione synthetase deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/glutathione-synthetase-deficiency/) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026).

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