Bamboo mushrooms posited as new anti-melanogenic and antioxidant ingredient by researchers

05 Sep 2023 --- Researchers in Thailand have found that bamboo mushroom (Phallus indusiatus) extracts can decrease melanin content caused by cellular tyrosinase activity while also possessing antioxidant activity. Due to their biological functions, these extracts are touted as a promising source for cosmetic ingredient development by the study authors.

While the mushrooms’ nutraceutical properties have been reported, their cosmeceutical properties to date have been so far “unclear.”

In the study, bamboo mushroom extracts were taken using different methods to evaluate their cosmetic efficacy based on their phytochemical components, antioxidant activity, inhibitory effect against extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, and anti-melanogenic properties in both enzymatic and cell-based experiments.

The researchers found that the ultrasonic-assisted extraction with deionized water had the highest antioxidant activity. However, all the extracts had “significantly” decreased melanin contents in MNT-1 cells. Additionally, they noted no cytotoxicity in the extracts, deeming it safe.

Study detailsBamboo mushroom extracts can decrease melanin content.
The study used fresh extracts of whole bamboo mushrooms using aqueous and ethanolic methods. The extracts were tested against extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, finding it inhibited almost 50% of the enzymes.

In addition to ultrasonic-assisted extraction with deionized water, the extract showed a protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage.

“Notably, autoclaving extraction exhibited a significantly greater anti-melanogenic effect than the other extracts at the lowest concentration tested,” detail the authors.

“Hot water extraction with DI and ethanol exhibited a stronger anti-inflammatory effect compared to diclofenac, without any cytotoxicity. These findings highlight the hidden cosmeceutical properties of Phallus indusiatus and suggest its potential use as a bioactive ingredient in cosmetic formulations.”

In related research, Naringenin, a naturally occurring flavanone found in citrus fruits and known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, was investigated for its photoprotective effects, significantly decreasing melanin production.

Contrastingly, BioSpectrum found that Sargassum fusiforme extract, also known as hijiki, induces melanogenesis, the hyperpigmentation activity. 

Springing mushroom R&D
The authors also highlight that mushroom-based products drive consumer interest in natural and plant-based ingredients.

With the rise of multifunctional and bio-based cosmetics, new research from Poland found that Tremella fuciformis – also known as snow mushroom – can be used as an alternative to synthetic hyaluronic acid.

Covering other developments in the field, Personal Care Insights reported on Jesse Adler, a self-proclaimed “mycological alchemist” who leveraged her chemistry and biomolecular science background to develop a method of extracting pigments from fungi. 

By Venya Patel