Glutathione peroxidase
Synopsis of Glutathione peroxidase
History
Glutathione peroxidase is a vital antioxidant enzyme, traditionally recognized for its role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. Though it is not an herb itself, it is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that catalyzes the reduction of harmful peroxides, using glutathione as a substrate. Its discovery in the mid-20th century marked a significant advancement in understanding how the body counters free radical damage and supports overall cellular health. Historically, the function of glutathione peroxidase has been indirectly harnessed through the consumption of selenium-rich foods and herbs, as selenium is a crucial cofactor for this enzyme's activity.
Traditional remedies across various cultures have utilized selenium-containing plants and foods to boost vitality, enhance detoxification, and promote longevity—unwittingly supporting glutathione peroxidase activity. Herbalists have often combined such selenium-rich botanicals with other antioxidant herbs, like milk thistle, turmeric, and green tea, to maximize the body’s natural defense systems. These combinations are thought to synergistically enhance the body's ability to neutralize toxins and support liver and immune function.
Today, nutritional products often feature glutathione peroxidase or its precursors in combination with herbal antioxidants for optimal health benefits. The positive contributions of glutathione peroxidase are extensive: it helps reduce damage from environmental toxins, supports healthy aging, and contributes to improved energy and well-being. Its inclusion in herbal formulas and nutritional products remains a testament to its importance in maintaining cellular resilience and promoting holistic health.
Traditional and scientific validation
Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an essential antioxidant enzyme naturally present in the human body, where it plays a pivotal role in protecting cells from oxidative damage by catalyzing the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides. Since its discovery in the 1950s, GPx has been extensively studied for its ability to support cellular health and maintain redox balance, leading to its inclusion in modern nutritional products, either as a direct ingredient or through compounds that enhance its activity.
Scientifically, the significance of GPx has been highlighted in numerous laboratory and animal studies demonstrating its role in reducing oxidative stress, which is implicated in aging and various chronic diseases. Some clinical studies suggest that enhanced GPx activity, often achieved through selenium supplementation (a cofactor of GPx), correlates with improved antioxidant defense and reduced markers of oxidative damage in humans. For example, increased GPx activity has been associated with cardiovascular health, immune function, and potentially lower risk of certain diseases linked to oxidative stress.
However, while laboratory results are promising, large-scale human clinical trials specifically investigating the direct supplementation of GPx are limited. Most research focuses on nutrients that support its function rather than the enzyme itself as a supplement. Thus, while current evidence underscores the fundamental importance of GPx in antioxidant defense, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to validate its direct effectiveness as a dietary ingredient. Nonetheless, supporting GPx activity through nutrition remains a positive strategy for enhancing the body’s natural resilience to oxidative stress.
Glutathione peroxidase is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Autoimmune Disorders (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Traditional)
Glaucoma (Traditional)
Hashimoto's Disease (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Lupus (Traditional)
Macular Degeneration (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Multiple Sclerosis (Traditional)
Nephritis (Traditional)
Nerve Damage (Traditional)
Parkinson's Disease (Traditional)
Peripheral Neuropathy (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Radiation Sickness (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Glutathione peroxidase is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Kidneys (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Lungs (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)