Glutathione, a peptide found in microbes, plants and animals including human plays a key role in maintaining healthy cells. The peptide exists in both reduced and oxidized forms. Synthesis of GSH occurs in the cytosol of cells, and the extent of glutathione synthesis relies on various factors, such as amino acid availability, protein activity etc. Once synthesized, glutathione exists in both forms: oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH). Oxidized glutathione characterized by its disulfide linkage. On the other hand, presence of a thiol group characterizes the reduced glutathione. This thiol makes the tripeptide an essential component of health; it makes glutathione a free radical scavenger, or an antioxidant. Disturbance in glutathione synthesis or imbalance in GSH to GSSG ratio results in physiological conditions due to build up oxidants in cells. Imbalance might take place because of physiological conditions, or may result from hereditary conditions, or a disease developed from lifestyle. Dietary glutathione supplements are now being marketed. A concise overview of various aspects of glutathione in human body is presented in this mini-review.

Hypertension, the major factor lead to mortality, is the increase in systolic and/or diastolic pressure and the risk factors which lead to hypertension are smoking, stress, salt, obesity etc. Different mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension including Cardiac output, Peripheral resistance, Renin angiotensin-aldosterone system (Localized and centralized), Micro vascular alteration, Inflammation and Insulin sensitivity etc. which can be treated by using both pharmacological and non pharmacological approach. ACEIs, ARBs, CCBs and thiazide Diuretics are 1st line antihypertensive agents which are used mostly alone or in combination. ACEIs and ARBs are very effective for the patients with co−morbidities. Other agents like alpha adrenergic blockers are added to treat resistant hypertension. Methyldopa and and hydralazine are recommended for pregnancy and acute hypertension respectively. Where as lifestyle modification is a secondary way of controlling blood pressure. Keeping in view that hypertension cannot be cured rather it can be treated or the symptoms can be mask, patients should be properly counseled in order to prevent co morbidity, morbidity and mortality.