| abstract |
Protection of mitochondria from oxidative damage due to natural or disease processes as well as by the effects of exogenous factors such as incident sunlight, exposure via inhalation to oxidative environmental toxins, consumption of dietary oxidants, and oxidative-stress-inducing pharmaceuticals, exposure to radiation including radiation therapy, among others, is provided by a composition comprising L-ergothioneine. L-ergothioneine may be prepared in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier to form an agent for topical application to the skin, and for orally or parenteral administration. Effective application and delivery of L-ergothioneine is enhanced by encapsulation in a liposome, a preferred embodiment. Diagnostic methods for determining exposure and susceptibility to radiation, radical, and reactive oxygen species in mammals is also provided. |