GlutathionevsLivagen

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₁₇N₃O₆S

Molecular Weight

307.33 g/mol

Half-Life

Very short in blood — roughly 2 to 10 minutes as intact glutathione; tissue pools turn over more slowly

Bioavailability

Low by mouth — intact glutathione is largely broken down in the gut by gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase; liposomal, intranasal, IV and inhaled routes bypass this

CAS Number

70-18-8

Molecular Formula

C₁₈H₃₁N₅O₉

Molecular Weight

461.5 g/mol

Half-Life

Short plasma half-life typical of tetrapeptides; biological effects persist for weeks through epigenetic chromatin remodeling modifications; metabolized to constituent amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine)

Bioavailability

Resistant to intestinal proteolysis when administered orally (weakly hydrolyzed by intestinal peptidases); efficient absorption from intramuscular injection sites; penetrates cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes to reach cell nuclei and nucleoli

CAS Number

Not assigned (research compound)

Common

• Generally well tolerated
• Unpleasant smell or taste

Uncommon

• Mild stomach upset, bloating or loose stools
• Transient cough

Serious

• Bronchospasm (airway tightening) in asthma

Common

• Injection site reaction
• Mild fatigue
• Mild headache
• Digestive enzyme changes

Uncommon

• Transient flu-like symptoms

Serious

• No documented serious adverse effects

Evidence Level

Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)

FDA Status

Sold as a dietary supplement; not FDA-approved as a drug. IV and inhaled uses are off-label/compounded.

Safety Overview

Glutathione has a reassuring safety record in studies. Taken by mouth at 250–1,000 mg a day for 6 months, people had no significant side effects [2], and IV glutathione at 1,400 mg three times a week was well tolerated with no safety concerns [1]. The clearest warning is for the inhaled form: in people with mild asthma, nebulized glutathione triggered coughing and airway tightening, likely from sulfite sensitivity [5].

Contraindications

• xKnown allergy to glutathione or a product ingredient
• xAsthma — inhaled/nebulized forms can trigger airway tightening, especially in sulfite-sensitive people

Evidence Level

Limited human trials

FDA Status

Research compound

Safety Overview

Livagen (a liver-derived peptide extract) carries a safety profile established through decades of use in Eastern European hepatology and gastroenterology clinics. As an organ-derived extract rather than a synthetic single peptide, it contains multiple bioactive components promoting hepatocyte regeneration and cytoprotection. Adverse events are minimal in reported clinical experience—mild gastrointestinal upset occurring in <5% of patients. The compound shows no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or immunosensitization in available safety surveillance data from thousands of patients.

Contraindications

• xKnown hypersensitivity to peptide bioregulators or constituent amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine)
• xPregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient reproductive safety data
• xActive autoimmune conditions in flare without physician supervision
• xConcurrent use of opioid medications — Livagen's enkephalinase inhibition may alter opioid metabolism