Ergothioneine (EGT), discovered in 1909 in ergot of rye by Charles Tanret, can only be produced by fungi and certain bacteria — never by the human body. Prof. Bruce Ames (Berkeley biochemist, inventor of the Ames test) proposed in 2018 that it be reclassified as a vitamin, given its dedicated transporter and biological importance. It concentrates in tissues most exposed to oxidative stress: red blood cells, the eye lens, liver, kidneys, bone marrow and brain.

Unlike glutathione (a half-life of a few hours) or vitamin C (rapidly degraded), ergothioneine remains stable for months in tissue, resisting heat and physiological pH. It penetrates mitochondria to protect mitochondrial DNA from oxidation, chelates free iron and copper to prevent the highly destructive Fenton reaction, absorbs UVA rays to protect skin cells from photoageing, and — unlike vitamin C or iron — never becomes pro-oxidant, even at high doses.

Ergothioneine occurs mainly in mushrooms — porcini (up to 5 mg/100g fresh), oyster mushrooms (2–3 mg/100g), shiitake (1–2 mg/100g) — plus trace amounts in beans, oat bran and chicken liver. Average Western dietary intake is estimated at just 1–3 mg/day, while research suggests 5–25 mg/day may be optimal; tissue levels also decline with age, a pattern linked in research to cognitive decline.

Dynveo selected ErgoActive ergothioneine for its California origin (produced by biofermentation in certified facilities in the United States), 100% natural fermentation via Methylobacterium bacteria, purity above 98% (HPLC-verified per batch), and a clean-label vegetable capsule with zero excipients, packaged in France.

Take 1 capsule a day with a meal. 60 capsules gives a 2-month course; a 3-month course is recommended.

For adults. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Is ergothioneine better than glutathione?

They are complementary. Glutathione is the main intracellular antioxidant but degrades within hours; ergothioneine stays stable in tissue for months. Combining both offers short- and long-term antioxidant protection.

From what age should I take ergothioneine?

Levels start declining from age 35–40, making supplementation relevant from then on — people exposed to higher oxidative stress (pollution, sport, smoking) may benefit earlier.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.