Glutathione in redox homeostasis: Bridging molecular mechanisms, bioavailability constraints, and translational challenges in systemic therapeutics.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Systematic review and scientometric analysis covering mechanisms, delivery formulations, and translational challenges without pooled clinical trial efficacy data
PubMed 42585816 · doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2026.119817
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines coupled with scientometric mapping of glutathione literature published between 2004 and 2025. The review evaluated redox signaling mechanisms, advanced delivery formulations (including liposomal, intranasal, and sublingual methods), pharmacokinetic constraints, and translational clinical outcomes.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings, study counts, or quantitative effect sizes. Scientometric mapping positioned glutathione as a major research hub linking oxidative stress, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ASD), and inflammatory diseases. While advanced delivery formulations improve stability and systemic availability, evidence that these pharmacokinetic enhancements translate into meaningful clinical efficacy remains limited.
Why it matters
This review highlights the persistent gap between fundamental biochemistry and systemic therapeutics, cautioning that improved bioavailability has not yet produced robust clinical efficacy and noting the theoretical risk of reductive stress.
Limits
The abstract reports no sample sizes, study counts, or quantitative comparative metrics. Findings are largely mechanistic and narrative rather than a quantitative meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Cited by
- supports Liposomal encapsulation allows glutathione to fuse with cells and achieve higher bioavailability than standard oral glutathione.