Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma-glutamylcysteine
For the health condition: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gamma-Glutamylcysteine is a dipeptide that serves as the immediate precursor to glutathione (GSH), a vital intracellular antioxidant. In the context of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), oxidative stress plays a significant role in disease progression and symptom severity. Scientific interest in gamma-glutamylcysteine supplementation centers on its ability to boost intracellular glutathione levels more efficiently than glutathione supplementation itself, as oral glutathione is poorly absorbed and rapidly degraded.

Several preclinical studies have shown that gamma-glutamylcysteine can increase intracellular glutathione and protect cells from oxidative damage. A small number of clinical studies and pilot trials suggest that enhancing glutathione synthesis may improve antioxidant capacity and potentially reduce inflammation in patients with COPD. For example, some research has found improvements in redox status and markers of oxidative stress in individuals given gamma-glutamylcysteine or related compounds.

However, robust, large-scale clinical trials directly evaluating the effects of gamma-glutamylcysteine supplementation in COPD patients are lacking. Most human data are preliminary, and no established clinical guidelines recommend its use for COPD. Therefore, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and some supportive early evidence, the overall strength of the evidence is currently limited, justifying a moderate-low rating.

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