Glycine is the constituent amino acid of the endogenous antioxidant reduced glutathione, and it is often supplemented by exogenous sources when the body is under severe stress. It is also sometimes called a semi-essential amino acid.

1. Glycine is used for treating schizophrenia, stroke, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and some rare inherited metabolic disorders.    

2. It is also used to protect kidneys from the harmful side effects of certain drugs used after organ transplantation as well as the liver from harmful effects of alcohol.    

3. Other uses include cancer prevention and memory enhancement.