https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals ... 0D3EAD7316
Ergothioneine is capable of scavenging a diverse range of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, has metal chelation properties, and is predicted to directly regulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity.
..data suggesting the physiological function of ergothioneine is as a cellular antioxidant and cytoprotectant agent. In humans, blood levels of ergothioneine decline after the age of 60 years, and lower levels of ergothioneine are associated with more rapid cognitive decline.
..These unique properties mean that ergothioneine is much more resistant to autooxidation in comparison with other thiols such as glutathione and is a very effective antioxidant and cytoprotectant, with metal chelation properties as well.
An increasing body of evidence suggests ergothioneine may be an important dietary nutrient for the prevention of a variety of inflammatory and cardiometabolic diseases; and ergothioneine has alternately been suggested as a vitamin, ‘longevity vitamin’ and nutraceutical.
Mushrooms are typically the richest source of ergothioneine in the human diet, with amounts of ergothioneine varying wildly depending on strain and growing conditions.
In addition, spirulina, the dried biomass of cyanobacteria (Arthrospira platensis) sold commonly as a dietary supplement, contains relatively high amounts of ergothioneine.
It is interesting to observe that ergothioneine is found in high amounts in certain plants, mushrooms and spirulina, that have been used and investigated for their medicinal properties.
This post is a placeholder. I have never heard of this 'amino acid" and accidentally ran across it searching from something else. From this Cambridge report, it is available in the diet in mushrooms - and in spirulina which is integral part of the Medical Medium's Heavy Metal Detox protocol for almost all brain diseases.