Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea Mushroom: Extraction, Biological Activities and Cosmetic Efficacy

Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea (VVP) were investigated for their cosmetic-related activities and in vivo efficacy for use as a multifunctional active cosmetic ingredient. Three different polysaccharide extraction methods, including hot water shaking (HS), microwave-assisted (MA) and ultrasonic-assisted (UA), were used. Extractable yield, polysaccharide contents and biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities, were compared. The polysaccharides from HS provided the highest extraction yield (15.58 +/- 0.96% w/w) and the highest beta-glucan content (18.80 +/- 0.81% w/w). The HS polysaccharides also possessed the highest inhibitory effects toward lipid peroxidation (IC50 of 0.0378 mg/mL), tyrosinase (51.46 mg KAE/g), and elastase (604.21 +/- 73.66 mg EGCG/g). The cytotoxicity of the VVP was determined for safe use. A cosmetic gel cream containing VVP was developed and 0.2% VVP formulation was observed to be the most stable in color. UV protection factors, skin irritation by single patch test, and in vivo efficacy, including skin moisturization, anti-wrinkle and whitening, were measured. The VVP showed no cytotoxicity against human dermal skin fibroblast. The gel cream containing VVP provided less sun protection factor; however, it significantly exhibited the skin benefits of increasing moisture, gross elasticity, net elasticity, and skin firmness. Improvements to skin roughness, scaliness, wrinkles and in melanin content were also depicted gradually along 8 weeks. V. volvacea, therefore, could be a good source for polysaccharides being used as a moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and whitening agent in cosmetic preparations.

Automated summary

By investigating the polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea, it was found that they possess cosmetic-related activities and in vivo efficacy for use as a multifunctional active cosmetic ingredient. The polysaccharides extracted using the hot water shaking method showed the highest extraction yield and beta-glucan content. They also exhibited the strongest antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-elastase activities. A gel cream containing VVP was developed, which showed improvements in skin moisture, elasticity, firmness, and reduction of roughness, scaliness, wrinkles, and melanin content.