Shiitake Extract

Lentinus edodes — known as shiitake — is an edible fungus native to Eastern Asia with a centuries-long history of use in traditional medicine. Historically referred to as an elixir of life, it was consumed by Chinese emperors for its reputed anti-aging properties. In modern cosmetic science, its interest lies in a specific and well-documented mechanism: the capacity to act on collagen at every stage of its lifecycle, from synthesis to structural preservation.

Shiitake: a magic mushroom for collagen 

Skin firmness depends not only on how much collagen is produced, but on its quality and structural . As skin ages, two processes accelerate its degradation: a decline in fibroblast activity reduces new collagen synthesis, while a chemical modification process called carbamylation progressively alters the triple-helical structure of existing collagen fibers, disrupting their organization and mechanical properties. The result is a progressive loss of density, firmness, and elasticity that quantitative collagen boosters alone cannot fully address.

Shiitake extract acts on both dimensions simultaneously. In vitro studies demonstrate that it upregulates the mRNA expression of type I collagen, elastin, fibronectin and PLOD3, a key enzyme involved in collagen cross-linking and structural stability. It also reduces collagen carbamylation , actively protecting the structural integrity of existing fibers. The result is not simply more collagen, but better-organized, more resilient collagen.

Skin benefits

Shiitake extract is one of the rare actives to address both the quantity and quality of skin collagen — with clinically documented improvements in firmness, smoothness, and skin elasticity.

• Stimulates the synthesis of type I collagen, elastin, and fibronectin
• Improves collagen quality, supporting proper cross-linking and structural stability
• Helps restoring the uniform elastic behavior characteristic of younger skin
  
  

ALPHASCIENCE formula containing Shiitake Extract
ULTRA FIRM