LL-37 vs Glutathione
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
LL-37Anti-Aging & LongevityImmune Support
Glutathione- Summary
- LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses by disrupting their membranes, while simultaneously modulating immune responses. Used for antimicrobial protection, immune priming, and wound healing.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- Very short (~1–2 hours) in plasma due to protease degradation; topical use bypasses systemic clearance
- Minutes to hours depending on route; IV half-life approximately 10-30 minutes
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Intranasal
- Oral (liposomal preferred), Sublingual, Intravenous, Nebulized/inhaled, Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 250-1000 mg per day
- Frequency
- 2–3x per week
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
- Promotes wound healing and angiogenesis
- Immune system modulation — enhances innate immunity
- Reduces LPS-mediated endotoxemia
- Anti-biofilm activity against resistant organisms
- Promotes tissue regeneration and keratinocyte migration
- May protect against sepsis
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site redness and irritation
- Mild inflammatory response at injection site
- Potential pro-inflammatory at high doses
- Rare: fever or flu-like symptoms at initiation
- 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
- Stacks With
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