Cosmeceutical and Dermatological Potential of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Extract

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) contains polysaccharides, phenolics, and β-glucans known for their antioxidant and nutraceutical properties; however, its dermatological applications remain limited.

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition activities, and cytotoxicity of freeze-dried Shiitake extract and to develop and characterize a topical cream formulation containing the extract for potential cosmetical and dermatological use.

Shiitake mushrooms were extracted with 75% ethanol and freeze-dried. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using a total antioxidant assay. Elastase, collagenase, and tyrosinase inhibition activities were evaluated using fluorometric and spectrophotometric assays. Cytotoxicity was tested on HaCaT human keratinocytes using the AlamarBlue assay. A topical cream formulation containing the shiitake extract was prepared, and its pH, viscosity, density, and stability were assessed through accelerated stability tests.

The extract showed moderate antioxidant capacity (107 μM Trolox equivalent). It inhibited elastase activity by 51.99% and induced a concentration-dependent suppression of collagenase activity, reducing measurable enzyme activity to levels below the detection limit of the assay at higher concentrations. No significant tyrosinase inhibition was observed. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed that the extract was non-toxic, maintaining > 90% HaCaT viability across all tested concentrations. The formulated cream exhibited skin-compatible pH (≈5.5), suitable viscosity, homogeneous texture, and remained stable without phase separation or microbial growth under accelerated aging conditions.

Shiitake extract appears to be a safe and naturally derived bioactive ingredient, exhibiting notable elastase and collagenase inhibitory activities and demonstrating promising potential for incorporation into anti-aging and nutraceutical skin-care formulations.