Cysteine

Scientific Name: (2R)-2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid (C3H7NO2S).

Other Names: Cystine.

Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is found in almost all proteins and is naturally occurring in very small quantities. 

Because it is easily oxidized, cysteine is routinely involved in electron-transfer reactions.  It is part of the antioxidant glutathione.

Origin: Cysteine was first isolated in kidney stones, and the word is derived from the Greek word “kustis”, meaning bladder.

Forms of Cysteine: Cysteine, two cysteine molecules linked by a disulfide bond, is a safer, more stable form of the amino acid and is the most commonly used form, since it travels safely through the gastrointestinal tract and will later be reduced to the two single cysteine molecules for cell entry. 

Currently, the least expensive form of cysteine is purified high yield by hydrolysis of human hair molecules. 

It can also be derived from undenatured bovine whey protein, as well as feathers and pig bristles.

Home Remedies using Cysteine:

Benefits and Uses of Cysteine:

Cysteine has antioxidant properties and is an important source of sulfur in the human metabolism. 

It is also an essential precursor to the production of glutathione in the body.

While this compound can be ingested orally, the majority of it must be manufactured intracellularly, requiring the presence of cysteine as the only component among the three essential pieces that make up glutathion that is limited in quantity (glycine and glutamate are found consistently in diet).

Although classified as a non-essential amino acid, cysteine can be essential in some instances. 

For example, infants and the elderly, as well as individuals with certain metabolic disorders or malabsorption syndrome may require cysteine to improve health. 

Cysteine can be used to react with other chemicals to produce flavors, can soften dough, has been used in cough medications, and has even been linked to remedying certain symptoms of a hangover.

Side Effects of Cysteine:

Free amino acid molecules of cysteine can actually be toxic and spontaneously catabolized. 

Therefore, it is most commonly taken as cystine, a dual molecule bond.

Additional Information for Cysteine:

Sheep require cysteine to produce wool and, because they cannot synthesize the compound internally, it is an essential amino acid that they must ingest through the intake of grass. 

During a drought, wool production is severely decreased.