Glutathione is considered to be the most powerful, most versatil, and most important of the body's self-generated antioxidants. It is found in almost all human cells, and has the highest concentrations in the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas and the lens and cornea. Glutathione is synthesized in the body from3 amino acids: cysteine, glutamine and glycine. It plays an important role in immune function via white blood cell production and is one of the most potent anti-viral agents known. Althought it exists in both a reduced form and an oxidized form, it must be in the reduced form to work properly.                         

     Glutathione has been used for many diseases and conditions, including cancer, HIV, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and autism. It is also used to provide chemoprotection against chemotherapy toxicity and has been found to increase the treatment response rate to chemotherapy. A review of the evidence from randomized, controlled trials regarding antioxidant supplementation on chemotherapeutic efficacy found a significant improvement in overall response rate in patients with ovarian cancer receiving cisplatin.*  Another study involving ovatian cancer patients found that 58% of patients given glutathione along with cisplatin were able to receive all six cycles of their drug regimen, compared with only 39% in patients who received a placebo with thier cisplatin. This same study found that nephrotoxicity was seen in more than double the number of patients in the placebo group compared to the glutathione group.**

     Because of its antioxidant properties, glutathione is particularly effective in treating Parkinson's disease as it limits the free radicals that are known for destroying neurons in the brain of Parkinson's patients.  Glutathione increases sensitivity to dopamine and serotonin, which may help treat the depression that often accompanies Parkinson's disease.

     Glutathione deficiency has been seen in many diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, liver disease.cirrhosis, COPD and asthma. It is digested extremely rapidly when given orally, so the prefereed form is usually injection or transdermal gels. For more information on prescribing Glutathione, please call our nearest location or visit our website at www.pharmacyinnovations.net.

* "Impact of antioxidant supplementation on chemotherapeutic efficacy: A systemic review of the evidence from randomized controlled trials. Cancer Treatment Reviews 2007;33:407-418.

** JF Smyth, et al, "Glutathione Reduces the Toxicity and Improves Quality of Life of Women Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Treated with cisplatin. Results of a Double-blind, Randomized Trial" Annals of Oncology 8(6): 569-73 (1997).