5-Amino-1MQ vs Glutathione
Cellular
5-Amino-1MQ
Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for effects on cellular methylation capacity and NAD+ salvage.
Cellular
Glutathione
Endogenous thiol tripeptide and the principal intracellular antioxidant, central to redox buffering research.
Side by side
| Dimension | 5-Amino-1MQ | Glutathione |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 159.21 g/mol | 307.32 g/mol |
| Size class | small molecule / short peptide | small molecule / short peptide |
| CAS number | 42464-96-0 | 70-18-8 |
| Research area | longevity | longevity |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | γ-Glu-Cys-Gly |
| Available sizes | 10mg | 750mg, 1500mg |
| Entry price | $49 | $39 |
| Cost per mg Cost per milligram differs by more than 3×. Compare against the concentrations your protocol actually requires, not the headline vial price. | $4.90 | $0.05 |
Mechanism
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule quinolinium compound, not a peptide — worth stating plainly, since it is routinely sold alongside peptides. It is a cell-permeable inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that methylates nicotinamide and thereby diverts it away from the NAD+ salvage pathway. Research interest follows from NNMT overexpression in adipose tissue and the hypothesis that inhibition preserves both methyl donor pools and NAD+ precursor availability.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide with an unusual γ-peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine, which confers resistance to standard peptidase cleavage. Its free thiol group makes it the dominant intracellular redox buffer, and the GSH/GSSG ratio is a standard readout of cellular oxidative state. It is also an obligate cofactor for glutathione peroxidases and S-transferases.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
5-Amino-1MQ
Evidence base: minimal. Three indexed results for the compound, none of which characterise it directly. The NNMT target is well studied; the inhibitor is not. Treat every claim about this compound as an inference from enzyme biology until direct work exists.
Full research reference →Glutathione
Evidence base: vast for endogenous glutathione biology, thin for exogenous administration. The two should not be conflated. Bioavailability of the intact tripeptide is the open question, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is the reason it is open.
Full research reference →Research applications
5-Amino-1MQ
- NNMT enzyme inhibition and selectivity assays
- NAD+ salvage pathway flux studies
- S-adenosylmethionine and methyl donor pool measurement
- Adipocyte metabolic studies
Glutathione
- GSH/GSSG ratio measurement as an oxidative stress readout
- Glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase activity assays
- Xenobiotic conjugation and detoxification pathway studies
- Ferroptosis research (GPX4 dependence on GSH)
Common questions
What is the difference between 5-Amino-1MQ and Glutathione?
5-Amino-1MQ is small-molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for effects on cellular methylation capacity and NAD+ salvage. Glutathione is endogenous thiol tripeptide and the principal intracellular antioxidant, central to redox buffering research. They differ in molecular weight (159.21 vs 307.32 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, 5-Amino-1MQ or Glutathione?
Glutathione is lower at approximately $0.05 per milligram at its best tier, against $4.90 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can 5-Amino-1MQ and Glutathione be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should 5-Amino-1MQ and Glutathione be stored?
Store at -20°C protected from light and moisture. For Glutathione: Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. The free thiol oxidizes readily — minimize air exposure and prepare solutions fresh.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
5-Amino-1MQ — Evidence base: minimal. Three indexed results for the compound, none of which characterise it directly. The NNMT target is well studied; the inhibitor is not. Treat every claim about this compound as an inference from enzyme biology until direct work exists. Glutathione — Evidence base: vast for endogenous glutathione biology, thin for exogenous administration. The two should not be conflated. Bioavailability of the intact tripeptide is the open question, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is the reason it is open.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.