Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid
Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a polymer produced by Bacillus bacteria, found naturally in natto (fermented soybeans). Used in skincare (hydration), food industry (texture), and has research interest for health applications. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is mostly preclinical. May have calcium absorption, immune, and antioxidant properties. Biodegradable and safe. Primarily used topically in cosmetics rather than as an oral supplement.
Quick Answer
What it is
Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a polymer produced by Bacillus bacteria, found naturally in natto (fermented soybeans). Used in skincare (hydration), food industry (texture), and has research interest for health applications.
Key findings
- Grade D: Immune Function
- Grade D: Probiotic Viability
- Grade D: Antioxidant Status
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid
Quick Facts: Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid
- Best Evidence:Grade D
- Conditions Studied:2
- Research Outcomes:7
- Key Effect:Antioxidant Status
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (11)
Related Supplements
Myricetin
2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes
Myricetin is a flavonoid found in berries, vegetables, and wine, structurally related to quercetin and kaempferol. Among flavonoids, myricetin has been particularly associated with bone health and anti-osteoporotic effects in preclinical research. Also has antioxidant and potential anti-diabetic properties. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human research is limited. Found in foods like berries, onions, and red wine. Not widely available as an isolated supplement. Low bioavailability may limit therapeutic use.
Manganese
2 shared conditions · 14 outcomes
Manganese is an essential trace mineral required for numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. It serves as a cofactor for manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, the primary mitochondrial antioxidant), arginase (urea cycle), glutamine synthetase (ammonia detoxification), and pyruvate carboxylase (gluconeogenesis). Manganese is critical for bone formation, glucose metabolism, wound healing, and neurotransmitter synthesis. The Adequate Intake (AI) is 2.3mg/day for men and 1.8mg/day for women. Deficiency is rare due to widespread dietary availability but can cause impaired growth, skeletal abnormalities, and altered glucose tolerance. Toxicity from excessive intake (primarily occupational inhalation) can cause manganism, a Parkinson-like neurological syndrome.
Longan
2 shared conditions · 7 outcomes
Dimocarpus longan (Longan or Dragon Eye) is a tropical fruit related to lychee, consumed widely in Asia. Preclinical research suggests neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects from the seed and fruit extracts. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - limited human research on medicinal use. The fruit flesh is nutritious but not unique; bioactive compounds are concentrated in seeds and peel. Traditional use includes tonifying blood and calming the spirit in TCM. Safe as a food; medicinal use of extracts lacks human validation.
L-Threonate
2 shared conditions · 5 outcomes
L-Threonate is a metabolite of vitamin C currently researched primarily as a mineral chelating agent that enhances bioavailability, especially for magnesium. Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) is marketed for cognitive function based on claims of enhanced brain magnesium delivery. NO GRADED OUTCOMES for L-threonate itself. The compound is most notable as part of magnesium L-threonate rather than as an isolated supplement. Research suggests it may help transport magnesium across the blood-brain barrier, but evidence remains limited. Isolated L-threonate supplementation is not common.
Cyanidin
2 shared conditions · 10 outcomes
Cyanidin is a type of anthocyanin pigment found in dark berries, purple vegetables, and black rice. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is the most studied form. Shows promise for blood glucose regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic health. Notable for potentially improving glucose uptake without impairing muscle protein synthesis (unlike some AMPK activators). However, bioavailability is a major concern - most cyanidin is rapidly metabolized. Human evidence is limited despite promising in vitro data.
Copper
2 shared conditions · 16 outcomes
Copper is an essential trace mineral required for numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. It serves as a cofactor for superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), cytochrome c oxidase (energy production), lysyl oxidase (collagen/elastin cross-linking), ceruloplasmin (iron metabolism), and dopamine β-hydroxylase (neurotransmitter synthesis). Meta-analysis evidence shows copper supplementation can improve antioxidant status and reduce oxidative stress markers. Clinical trials demonstrate benefits for wound healing, bone density in deficient populations, and immune function. The RDA is 0.9mg/day for adults. Deficiency is rare but can occur with high zinc intake, malabsorption syndromes, or gastric bypass surgery. Excess copper (>10mg/day) is associated with gastrointestinal distress and potential liver toxicity.
Clove
2 shared conditions · 9 outcomes
Clove is a spice derived from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, native to Indonesia. The primary active compound is eugenol (70-90% of clove oil), which has potent antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Clove oil is FDA-approved as a dental analgesic and has been used traditionally for toothache, respiratory ailments, and as an aphrodisiac. Modern research supports antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, but human clinical trials for most applications are limited.
Butea Monosperma
2 shared conditions · 4 outcomes
Butea monosperma is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal tree ('Flame of the Forest') containing methoxylated isoflavones and pterocarpans. Key bioactives include cajanin, cladrin, and medicarpin, which show potent osteogenic (bone-building) activity in preclinical studies - some comparable to or greater than estrogen. The compounds preserve bone mass through both estrogenic and non-estrogenic mechanisms. Animal studies also suggest antidiabetic potential. However, NO human clinical trials exist. Promising for osteoporosis research but requires human validation.