Glutathione vs Cortagen
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & LongevityImmune Support
GlutathioneAnti-Aging & LongevityRecovery & Repair
Cortagen- Summary
- Glutathione is the body's master endogenous antioxidant tripeptide, composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It neutralizes reactive oxygen species, supports detoxification in the liver, recycles other antioxidants (vitamins C and E), and plays a central role in immune function, DNA repair, and cellular redox balance.
- Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation as a cardioprotective and vascular bioregulator. It stimulates repair of cardiac and vascular tissue, with demonstrated benefits for coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiac aging.
- Half-Life
- Minutes to hours depending on route; IV half-life approximately 10-30 minutes
- Short peptide half-life; gene regulatory effects persist beyond peptide clearance
- Admin Route
- Oral (liposomal preferred), Sublingual, Intravenous, Nebulized/inhaled, Topical
- SubQ, IM, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 250-1000 mg per day
- 10 mg SC or IM daily
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Primary endogenous antioxidant and free radical scavenger
- Supports hepatic detoxification of xenobiotics and heavy metals
- Recycles vitamins C and E to maintain antioxidant network
- Modulates immune function and T-cell activity
- Skin brightening via inhibition of tyrosinase (IV/topical routes)
- Neuroprotective in oxidative stress-related conditions
- Mitochondrial protection and energy metabolism support
- Cardioprotective — protects cardiac tissue from ischemic damage
- Promotes cardiac regeneration and repair
- Improves vascular endothelium function
- Reduces atherosclerosis progression
- Anti-aging effect on heart muscle cells
- Improves cardiac output and exercise capacity
- Reduces oxidative stress in cardiovascular tissue
- May reduce arrhythmia frequency
- Side Effects
- Oral bioavailability is limited (largely hydrolyzed in gut); liposomal or sublingual forms preferred
- IV administration: rare allergic reactions, vein irritation
- High-dose supplementation may cause zinc depletion over time
- Inhaled glutathione may trigger bronchoconstriction in asthmatics
- Excellent safety profile
- Mild injection site reactions
- Rare: transient hypotension
- Rare: mild arrhythmia at initiation in cardiac patients
- Stacks With
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