75岁董事长“肉身营销”，麦角硫因真是“内服抗衰王”？

Core Viewpoint - The recent advertisement for Ergothioneine capsules by Kelun Pharmaceutical has sparked attention, particularly due to the endorsement by the company's chairman, Liu Gexin, highlighting the scientific value and industrial prospects of Ergothioneine [1] Summary by Sections What is Ergothioneine and Why is it Called the "Longevity Vitamin"? - Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural sulfur-containing amino acid derivative first isolated from ergot fungus in 1909, found in high concentrations in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain [2] - International studies have shown that Ergothioneine has significant antioxidant and cell-protective properties, with notable recognition from Nobel Prize nominee Bruce Ames, who referred to it as the "longevity vitamin" in a prominent publication [2] Mechanism of Action - Mitochondria, the "energy factories" of cells, generate energy (ATP) but also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts, which can accumulate and damage cellular components when mitochondrial efficiency declines due to aging or inflammation [4] - Ergothioneine is unique among known antioxidants and mitochondrial protectants as it can penetrate cell membranes and enter mitochondria, facilitated by its exclusive transport protein, OCTN1, allowing it to exert powerful antioxidant effects [6] Industrial Chain Overview - The production of Ergothioneine involves three main stages: raw material supply, biomanufacturing, and downstream applications [9] - Raw materials are primarily sourced from fungi and mushrooms through fermentation [9] - The mainstream production method is biomanufacturing via genetic engineering and high-efficiency fermentation, followed by extraction and purification [10] - In cosmetics, Ergothioneine is valued for its anti-aging, whitening, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties, while in food and beverages, it is recognized for its anti-aging and cognitive enhancement effects, approved as a food ingredient in several countries [10] Key Companies in the Ergothioneine Industry - Huaxi Biological is a pioneer in the Ergothioneine sector, producing high-purity raw materials and setting industry standards, with a comprehensive product range from dietary supplements to medical applications [11] - Furuida has launched a new brand "Baifu" to expand its product line in high-end raw materials, including Ergothioneine [12] - Shouxiangu has developed advanced techniques to enhance the content and bioavailability of Ergothioneine in its products [12] - Other companies like Jiabiyou, Kelun Pharmaceutical, and Huadong Pharmaceutical are also actively involved in the production and application of Ergothioneine, contributing to the growth of the anti-aging product market [13][14] Conclusion - As scientific research progresses and regulations improve, Ergothioneine is transitioning from a niche ingredient to a broader market presence, expected to play a significant role in the anti-aging and functional food sectors [14]