Research Comparison
Glutathione (GSH) vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A side-by-side research comparison of Glutathione (GSH) and SS-31 (Elamipretide) drawn from Cobalt Peptides' peptide database records.
Glutathione (GSH)
Glutathione (GSH) is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, often referred to as the body’s primary intracellular antioxidant. It is present in virtually all cells and plays a central role in maintaining redox balance, detoxification, and immune function. Levels of glutathione decline with age and are depleted by oxidative stress, toxins, and disease states. Injectable administration bypasses poor oral bioavailability, enabling rapid elevation of plasma glutathione levels and supporting systemic antioxidant defense and detoxification pathways.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a small aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that localises to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Rather than scavenging reactive oxygen species diffusely as conventional antioxidants do, it binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid required for the structural integrity of the electron transport chain — and the published literature describes this targeted interaction in the context of mitochondrial function. SS-31 is not an approved medicine in the United Kingdom. Supplied strictly as a research compound for laboratory use.