Shiitake Mushroom Extract
- skin immune defense
Origin
Shiitake Mushroom extract is a concentrate of Lentinan (b D-1,6 ; b D-1,3-glucan polymer). It is completely natural, being obtained from a mushroom originating from the Far East.
Introduction
Shiitake mushroom (shee-TAH-kee ...) of scientific name is Lentinus edodes. It is characterized not only by its natural origin without any chemical modification but also by its molecular conformation in triple helix which confer to him a scientifically proven activity. Many studies, mostly Japanese demonstrate its efficiency in maintaining body's defenses. In fact, it is now recognized that the alteration of defense capacities leads to premature skin aging. Due to its high concentration in Lentinan, Shiitake Mushroom extract will stimulate skin's immune defenses and help to limit the consequences of aggressions (chronic UV exposure, viruses, allergens, pollutants...). It is a biodynamic ingredient, particularly useful for slowing one of the major causes of aging through its efficiency in reinforcing skin biological protection mechanisms. It is particularly recommended as protecting agent, anti aging prevention and for the care of sensitive and delicate skin subject to sun exposure and daily life stress.
Immune Defense system of the Skin
Epidermis is the first line of defense of the skin against aggression, in particular due to its acidic pH which prevents the proliferation of many pathogen germs.
The second line of defense is the immune system. Its action can be summarized as follows (see diagram on page 2) : The internal defense mechanism of the skin is constituted by macrophages and particularly by Langerhans cells which are the immunocompetent cells and are located in the stratum basalis. Their role is to recognize aggressor antigens and to initiate the immune cascade by liberating mediators like interleukins.
These interleukins are identified by specific receptors of the lymphocytes, and will activate the T cells and the natural killer cells which will destroy the aggressor by a lysis mechanism. (This is obviously a brief description which does not mention many other cells or mediators which are also involved in the immune system response). This process leads also to fibroblast activation which will regenerate the connective tissue close to the site of aggression. This is part of the healing process for the skin.
The second line of defense is the immune system. Its action can be summarized as follows (see diagram on page 2) : The internal defense mechanism of the skin is constituted by macrophages and particularly by Langerhans cells which are the immunocompetent cells and are located in the stratum basalis. Their role is to recognize aggressor antigens and to initiate the immune cascade by liberating mediators like interleukins.
These interleukins are identified by specific receptors of the lymphocytes, and will activate the T cells and the natural killer cells which will destroy the aggressor by a lysis mechanism. (This is obviously a brief description which does not mention many other cells or mediators which are also involved in the immune system response). This process leads also to fibroblast activation which will regenerate the connective tissue close to the site of aggression. This is part of the healing process for the skin.
Anti-inflammatory effect
For determining Shiitake Mushroom extract anti-inflammatory effect, its effect on Phospholipase A2 enzym has been shown. In fact Phospholipase A2 is a key enzym which is implied in inflammatory process. After cutaneous agressions, the inflammatory process begin with the degradation of phospholipids. This degradation is associated with Phospholipase A2 activity. This enzym imply the liberation of arachidonic acid which is imply in the the inflammatory process. An inhibition of this enzym has benefit effects as it limit the inflammatory process. Shiitake Mushroom extract inhibits phospholipase activity at a low concentration of 1% and consequently has interesting anti-inflammatory activity.
Active Principle
Shiitake Mushroom Extract active principle is Lentinan. This is a polysaccharide constituted of b D-1,6 ; b D-1,3-glucan whose structure is a right handed triple helix.
Lentinan structure
Many studies have been made in Japan on Lentinan and demonstrate a prominent anti-tumor effect as well as a suppression of chemical and viral carcinogenesis. These effects are linked to the strong immunological activity of Lentinan which can be schematized as follows:
Shiitake Mushroom Extract is one of the most active products for strengthening skin defense system.. Lentinan shows also no toxic side effects on in vivo application. As indicated, Shiitake Mushroom Extract and its active principle Lentinan, come from a mushroom (Basidiomycetes) : Lentinus edodes. Lentinan has been extracted while keeping its active structure and is concentrated as this Shiitake Mushroom Extract, an active with reinforced anti aging properties.
Many studies have been made in Japan on Lentinan and demonstrate a prominent anti-tumor effect as well as a suppression of chemical and viral carcinogenesis. These effects are linked to the strong immunological activity of Lentinan which can be schematized as follows:
Shiitake Mushroom Extract is one of the most active products for strengthening skin defense system.. Lentinan shows also no toxic side effects on in vivo application. As indicated, Shiitake Mushroom Extract and its active principle Lentinan, come from a mushroom (Basidiomycetes) : Lentinus edodes. Lentinan has been extracted while keeping its active structure and is concentrated as this Shiitake Mushroom Extract, an active with reinforced anti aging properties.
Traditional Usages
Shiitake Mushroom has been cultivated in Japan for 2000 years (it is called Shiitake, the perfumed mushroom). It is widely used as a food for its nutritional properties (it is very rich in essential amino acids) and as a revitalizer. It is also recommended for decreasing cholesterol level. In China, it was considered at the court of the emperors Ming as the " long life elixir" and was praised in drinks or teas as energizer and tonic.
Shiitake Mushroom Extract Components
Vitamins:
Vitamin B1 120 mg/kg
Vitamin B2 9 mg/kg
and Ergosterol : provitamin D2
Amino acids:
They represent 15% of dry Shiitake Mushroom Extract. 8 essential amino acids represent 38% of the total :
Leucine 7%
Phenylalanine 6.4%
Lysine 5.5%
Valine 5.4%
Isoleucine 5%
Threonine 4%
Histidine 2.9%
Methionine 1.7%
as well as an other sulfur containing AA :
Cystéine 2.8%
Trace elements (mg/kg) :
Copper 31
Iron 146
Magnesium 1400
Manganese 26
Zinc 170
All these trace elements are efficient enzyme activators.
Vitamin B1 120 mg/kg
Vitamin B2 9 mg/kg
and Ergosterol : provitamin D2
Amino acids:
They represent 15% of dry Shiitake Mushroom Extract. 8 essential amino acids represent 38% of the total :
Leucine 7%
Phenylalanine 6.4%
Lysine 5.5%
Valine 5.4%
Isoleucine 5%
Threonine 4%
Histidine 2.9%
Methionine 1.7%
as well as an other sulfur containing AA :
Cystéine 2.8%
Trace elements (mg/kg) :
Copper 31
Iron 146
Magnesium 1400
Manganese 26
Zinc 170
All these trace elements are efficient enzyme activators.
Benefits
The use of Shiitake Mushroom Extract will help to :
- reinforce skin's natural defenses
- limit the consequences of aggressions (UVs, free radicals)
- protect skin from dermatitis hypersensitivity
Conclusion
Shiitake Mushroom Extract is a totally natural active ingredient for strengthening skin defense system. Its outstanding immunomodulating properties come from its active principle : Lentinan, acting in synergy with a combination of essential amino acids, trace elements and vitamins. During the aging process and after an aggression (UV rays, free radicals, allergens), skin's immune defenses are weakened. Shiitake Mushroom Extract will stimulate the natural defenses of skin by activating the immunocompetent cells (Langherans cells, macrophages, keratinocytes). These cells will modulate the immune response of skin and help it in coming back to its normal level (which is the attacked young skin's one). That way Shiitake Mushroom Extract helps the skin in defending itself against aggression.
Bibliography
Akiyama Y. & al. Immunological characteristics of Lentinan. Manipulations of host defense mechanism. Excerpta medica 227-238 (1981)
Bluhm TH. and Sarko A. The triple helical structure of Lentinan. Can J Chem 55, 293 (1977)
Chihara G. Immunopharmacology of lentinan and the glucans. EOS - Riv Immunol. Immunopharmacol. 4, 85-96 (1984)
Chihara G. & al. Antitumor and metastasis inhibitory effect of Lentinan. Cancer detection and prevention suppl 1 423-443 (1987)
Czop JK. and Kay J. Isolation and characterisation of b glucan receptors on human mononuclear phagocytes. J Exp Med 173, 1511-1520 (1991)
Gilchrest BA. & al. Effect of chronologic aging and UV irradiation on Langherans cells in human epidermis. J Invest Dermatol. 79, 85-88 (1982)
Gilchrest BA & al. Chronologic and actinically induced aging in human facial skin. J Invest Dermatol. 80, 81s-85s (1983)
Hamuro J. and Chihara G. Lentinan - a T cell oriented immunopotentiator. Immune modulation agents. Marcel Dekker New York 409 - 436 (1984)
Hamuro J. & al. Antitumor polysaccharides lentinan as immunopotentiator. Mushroom science 9, 477-487 (1974)
Janusz MJ. & al. Specific b glucan receptors on macrophages surface. J immunol. 142, 959-965 (1989)
Jong SC. and Birmingham JM. Medicinal and therapeutic value of the shiitake mushroom. Advances in applied microbiology 39, 153-184 (1993)
Kripke ML. and Applegate LA. Alterations of the immune response by UV radiations. Biochemistry and physiology of the skin. New York : Oxford University Press : Vol II, Chap 45 : 1304 - 1328 (1991)
Mommaas AM., Mulder AA. and Vermeer BJ. Short term and long term UVB induced immunosuppression in human skin exhibit different ultrastructural features. Europ. Journ. of Morphology 31, 30-34 (1993)
Mufti J. Immunol Cosmetics Happi 41- 46 Aug (1996)
Peter G. & al. Effects of Lentinan on cytotoxic functions of human lymphocytes Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicity 10, 2, 157-163 (1988)
Saito T. & al. A high resolution NMR study of 1.3 b glucans from various sources. Bull. Soc. Chem. Jap. 59, 2093-2101 (1986)
Stingl G. & al. Immune function of epidermal cells. Immune mechanisms in cutaneous disease. Marcel Dekker New York 3-72 (1989)
Suzuki S. and Ohshima S. Influence of Shiitake mushroom on human serum cholesterol. Mushroom science 9, 463-467 (1974)
Tang A. and Udey MC. Doses of UV radiation that modulate accessory cell are ultimately cytotoxic for murine epidermal Langerhans cells. J Invest Dermatol. 99, 71S-73S (1992)
Weill F. and Bagot M. Cytokines kératinocytaires. Cosmetologie 9, 41-45 (1996)
Yamasaki K. & al. Synergistic induction of lymphokine killer activity by IL 2 and lentinan. Cancer Immunol. Mommaas AM., Mulder AA. and Vermeer BJ. Short term and long term UVB induced immunosuppression in human skin exhibit different ultrastructural features. Europ. Journ. of Morphology 31, 30-34 (1993)
Mufti J. Immunol Cosmetics Happi 41- 46 Aug (1996)
Peter G. & al. Effects of Lentinan on cytotoxic functions of human lymphocytes Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicity 10, 2, 157-163 (1988)
Saito T. & al. A high resolution NMR study of 1.3 b glucans from various sources. Bull. Soc. Chem. Jap. 59, 2093-2101 (1986)
Stingl G. & al. Immune function of epidermal cells. Immune mechanisms in cutaneous disease. Marcel Dekker New York 3-72 (1989)
Suzuki S. and Ohshima S. Influence of Shiitake mushroom on human serum cholesterol. Mushroom science 9, 463-467 (1974)
Tang A. and Udey MC. Doses of UV radiation that modulate accessory cell are ultimately cytotoxic for murine epidermal Langerhans cells. J Invest Dermatol. 99, 71S-73S (1992)
Weill F. and Bagot M. Cytokines kératinocytaires. Cosmetologie 9, 41-45 (1996)
Yamasaki K. & al. Synergistic induction of lymphokine killer activity by IL 2 and lentinan. Cancer Immunol. Immunotherapy. 29, 87-92 (1992)
Bluhm TH. and Sarko A. The triple helical structure of Lentinan. Can J Chem 55, 293 (1977)
Chihara G. Immunopharmacology of lentinan and the glucans. EOS - Riv Immunol. Immunopharmacol. 4, 85-96 (1984)
Chihara G. & al. Antitumor and metastasis inhibitory effect of Lentinan. Cancer detection and prevention suppl 1 423-443 (1987)
Czop JK. and Kay J. Isolation and characterisation of b glucan receptors on human mononuclear phagocytes. J Exp Med 173, 1511-1520 (1991)
Gilchrest BA. & al. Effect of chronologic aging and UV irradiation on Langherans cells in human epidermis. J Invest Dermatol. 79, 85-88 (1982)
Gilchrest BA & al. Chronologic and actinically induced aging in human facial skin. J Invest Dermatol. 80, 81s-85s (1983)
Hamuro J. and Chihara G. Lentinan - a T cell oriented immunopotentiator. Immune modulation agents. Marcel Dekker New York 409 - 436 (1984)
Hamuro J. & al. Antitumor polysaccharides lentinan as immunopotentiator. Mushroom science 9, 477-487 (1974)
Janusz MJ. & al. Specific b glucan receptors on macrophages surface. J immunol. 142, 959-965 (1989)
Jong SC. and Birmingham JM. Medicinal and therapeutic value of the shiitake mushroom. Advances in applied microbiology 39, 153-184 (1993)
Kripke ML. and Applegate LA. Alterations of the immune response by UV radiations. Biochemistry and physiology of the skin. New York : Oxford University Press : Vol II, Chap 45 : 1304 - 1328 (1991)
Mommaas AM., Mulder AA. and Vermeer BJ. Short term and long term UVB induced immunosuppression in human skin exhibit different ultrastructural features. Europ. Journ. of Morphology 31, 30-34 (1993)
Mufti J. Immunol Cosmetics Happi 41- 46 Aug (1996)
Peter G. & al. Effects of Lentinan on cytotoxic functions of human lymphocytes Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicity 10, 2, 157-163 (1988)
Saito T. & al. A high resolution NMR study of 1.3 b glucans from various sources. Bull. Soc. Chem. Jap. 59, 2093-2101 (1986)
Stingl G. & al. Immune function of epidermal cells. Immune mechanisms in cutaneous disease. Marcel Dekker New York 3-72 (1989)
Suzuki S. and Ohshima S. Influence of Shiitake mushroom on human serum cholesterol. Mushroom science 9, 463-467 (1974)
Tang A. and Udey MC. Doses of UV radiation that modulate accessory cell are ultimately cytotoxic for murine epidermal Langerhans cells. J Invest Dermatol. 99, 71S-73S (1992)
Weill F. and Bagot M. Cytokines kératinocytaires. Cosmetologie 9, 41-45 (1996)
Yamasaki K. & al. Synergistic induction of lymphokine killer activity by IL 2 and lentinan. Cancer Immunol. Mommaas AM., Mulder AA. and Vermeer BJ. Short term and long term UVB induced immunosuppression in human skin exhibit different ultrastructural features. Europ. Journ. of Morphology 31, 30-34 (1993)
Mufti J. Immunol Cosmetics Happi 41- 46 Aug (1996)
Peter G. & al. Effects of Lentinan on cytotoxic functions of human lymphocytes Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicity 10, 2, 157-163 (1988)
Saito T. & al. A high resolution NMR study of 1.3 b glucans from various sources. Bull. Soc. Chem. Jap. 59, 2093-2101 (1986)
Stingl G. & al. Immune function of epidermal cells. Immune mechanisms in cutaneous disease. Marcel Dekker New York 3-72 (1989)
Suzuki S. and Ohshima S. Influence of Shiitake mushroom on human serum cholesterol. Mushroom science 9, 463-467 (1974)
Tang A. and Udey MC. Doses of UV radiation that modulate accessory cell are ultimately cytotoxic for murine epidermal Langerhans cells. J Invest Dermatol. 99, 71S-73S (1992)
Weill F. and Bagot M. Cytokines kératinocytaires. Cosmetologie 9, 41-45 (1996)
Yamasaki K. & al. Synergistic induction of lymphokine killer activity by IL 2 and lentinan. Cancer Immunol. Immunotherapy. 29, 87-92 (1992)
