L-Ergothioneine Self-Affirmed GRAS

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.L-ergothioneine, a patented antioxidant from Oxis International Inc., was affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by an independent scientific panel of experts. Achieving this status allows L-ergothioneine to be used in functional foods and beverages in the United States.

For Oxis, the GRAS status opens the door to significant new commercial opportunities including the multi-billion dollar market segment for functional foods and beverages, according to David Saloff, CEO of Oxis. This is in addition to the company's plans to develop a proprietary line of personal care products where L-ergothioneine is already considered one of the real scientifically based, breakthrough anti-aging ingredients. Based upon the extensive body of scientific and safety data for L-ergothioneine, Oxis will now move ahead to establish a leadership role in the rapidly growing global market for health and wellness products".

Following a review of the safety, toxicology and proposed usage, an independent panel of experts reached a unanimous decision that Oxis' pure, synthetic L-ergothioneine, produced using the patented Oxis manufacturing method is safe for use in dietary supplements, food and beverage products. GRAS is an FDA designation that an ingredient that may be added to food is considered safe by experts. It was determined that the Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) for L-ergothioneine is up to 10.5 mg per day for food use and intake.

There are over 100 scientific papers, published in peer review journals describing the significant anti-oxidative effects of L-ergothioneine. Leading scientific experts, including Bruce Ames, have stated that l-ergothioneine may well be essential to human life because of the unique and critical role that it plays in the body's antioxidant defense system.

With its introduction of ErgoFlex, Oxis is the only company in the world offering dietary supplement products containing pure L-ergothioneine.

In July 2011, experts in the fields of oxidative stress, healthy aging and chronic disease prevention and management met for the First International Congress on Ergothioneine.