ArticleScientific reports2026
Antrodia cinnamomea extract exhibits anti-melanogenic and anti-photoaging effects: potential for cosmetic and dermatological applications.
Article in Scientific reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Skin pigmentation and photoaging are major dermatological concerns, underscoring the need for safe and effective topical agents. Antrodia cinnamomea, a medicinal mushroom native to Taiwan, is well known for its hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, and metabolic benefits; however, its anti-melanogenic and anti-photoaging potential remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, we demonstrate that A. cinnamomea ethanol extract (AC-EtOH) suppresses melanin production and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 melanocytes by downregulating the mRNA expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). AC-EtOH also inhibits α-MSH-activated PKA/cAMP/CREB signaling, further contributing to melanogenesis suppression. In skin fibroblasts, AC-EtOH protects against UV-induced photoaging by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attenuating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1 and MMP3) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6). To improve its suitability for cosmetic formulations, polyethylene glycol (PG)-a widely used solvent-was employed to generate an A. cinnamomea extract-PG mixture (AC-PG). AC-PG retained the biological efficacy of AC-EtOH, reducing melanin production and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-induced cells, while exhibiting low sensitization and irritation potential, as per OECD Test Guidelines 439, 492, and 442E. Collectively, these findings identify AC-EtOH as a promising natural ingredient with potent anti-melanogenic and anti-photoaging activities, supporting its potential application in cosmetic and dermatological products for skin whitening, anti-wrinkle, and anti-photoaging purposes.
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