Inventors:
Daniel B. Yarosh - Merrick NY
Assignee:
Applied Genetics Incorporated Dermatics - Freeport NY
International Classification:
A61K 3415
Abstract:
Protection of mitochondria from oxidative damage due to natural or disease processes as well as by the effects of exogenous factors such as incident sunlight, exposure via inhalation to oxidative environmental toxins, consumption of dietary oxidants, and oxidative-stress-inducing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, radiation therapy, among others, is provided by a composition comprising L-ergothioneine, L-ergothioneine may be prepared in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically-acceptable base to form an agent for topical application to the skin, and for oral or parenteral administration. Effective application and delivery, of L-ergothioneine is enhanced by encapsulation in a liposomes, a preferred embodiment. Diagnostic methods for determining exposure and susceptibility to radiation, radical and reactive oxygen species in mammals is also provided.