Ergothioneine（EGT） is a compound found in mushrooms, certain bacteria, and specific plants and animals, such as shiitake mushrooms and Pleurotus citrinopileatus (golden oyster mushrooms). As an extremely rare amino acid, it cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet.

In recent years, ergothioneine has seen robust growth in China’s market. Brands like Swisse have become major representatives, tapping into consumers’ desire for youth and anxiety about aging and sagging skin. On Xiaohongshu (RedNote), the total number of related notes has long exceeded tens of millions, with over 630,000 posts containing the term "sagging skin" alone. This reflects consumers’ ever-increasing pursuit of maintaining youthfulness.

Current production processes for ergothioneine on the market include:
● Extraction from mushrooms, such as Pleurotus citrinopileatus;
● Chemical synthesis;
● Biosynthesis.

Among these, biosynthesis technology is already relatively mature and has become the mainstream production method, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality ergothioneine.

Ergothioneine is a rare natural amino acid with strong antioxidant properties, synthesized by actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, certain fungi (such as Streptomyces and Mycobacterium), and mushrooms. Animals (including humans) and plants cannot synthesize ergothioneine on their own. Plants can absorb microbially synthesized ergothioneine from the soil through their roots, while animals can obtain and accumulate ergothioneine from their diet.

Physicochemical Properties of EGT

Melting Point: 275–277°C (decomposes)
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₅N₃O₂S
Molecular Weight: 229.299
Solubility: Water-soluble (the solubility limit in water at 25°C is 0.9 mol/L)

The physiological effects of ergothioneine, along with its physicochemical properties, determine its broad application prospects in industries such as food, functional foods, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its excellent water solubility, stability, and other unique characteristics give ergothioneine advantages in formulation preparation, storage, and intestinal absorption.