Beverly Hills, California, Oct. 10, 2011 -- Oxis International Inc. today announced that an independent scientific panel of experts has certified the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status of its patented anti-oxidant L-ergothioneine.

There are over 100 scientific papers, published in peer review journals describing the significant anti-oxidative effects of L-ergothioneine. Leading scientific experts, including Dr 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 anti-oxidant defense system. In fact, the body has a specific gene to produce an ergothioneine transporter to move this unique anti-oxidant around the body. In addition to its highly published general anti-oxidative effects, L-ergothioneine has shown specific promise in extending healthy lifespans, cognitive function, and lung and heart health. With its introduction of ErgoFlex™, Oxis is the only company in the world offering dietary supplement products containing pure L-ergothioneine.

David Saloff, CEO of Oxis stated, "Achieving GRAS status for our L-ergothioneine opens the door wide to significant new commercial opportunities for the Company including the multi-billion dollar market segment for functional foods and beverages. 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 comprehensive 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 a US Food and Drug Administration (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.

Oxis International, Inc. is engaged in the research, development and distribution of "natural" products that counteract the harmful effects of physiological stress and aging.