Overview
Unique thiol antioxidant concentrated in mitochondria via OCTN1.
- Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
- Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
- Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
- Capsule or softgel
- Powder
- Sublingual or buccal
- Liposomal liquid
Forms & variants of Ergothioneine
Different chemical forms of Ergothioneine behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.
Mechanism of action
Selective transport into oxidatively stressed cells; scavenges hydroxyl radicals.
- · Selective transport into oxidatively stressed cells
- · scavenges hydroxyl radicals
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Ergothioneine (Extra) acts on hallmarks of aging including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and senescence signaling.
Evidence-based benefits
Inverse association with cognitive decline
Limited evidencePotential side effects
- · Ergothioneine (Extra) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
- · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
- · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
- · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
- · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
- · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.
- Omega-3Lowers inflammation and supports membrane integrity.
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.
Scientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
Ergothioneine and frailty
Beelman RB, et al.
Observational study in elderly.
Low ergothioneine correlated with frailty and cognitive decline.
PubMed: Ergothioneine (Extra) — Inverse association with cognitive decline
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ergothioneine (Extra) Inverse association with cognitive decline" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ergothioneine (Extra) and "Inverse association with cognitive decline". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ergothioneine (Extra) — randomized controlled trial
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ergothioneine (Extra) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ergothioneine (Extra) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ergothioneine (Extra) — meta-analysis
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ergothioneine (Extra) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ergothioneine (Extra) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ergothioneine (Extra) — pharmacokinetics
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ergothioneine (Extra) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ergothioneine (Extra) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ergothioneine (Extra) — safety adverse events
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ergothioneine (Extra) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ergothioneine (Extra) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Ergothioneine (Extra) — dose response
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Ergothioneine (Extra) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ergothioneine (Extra) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Google Scholar: Ergothioneine (Extra) — clinical evidence
Live Scholar search
Cross-database citation index for Ergothioneine (Extra) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.