Authored by: Arthur Ghochikyan, M.D.
Functions
Humectant
Regeneration booster
Barrier enhancer
Antioxidant
Firming
Anti-aging
Skin whitening agent
Delivery vehicle
Schizophyllan is a natural β-glucan polysaccharide produced by the mushroom Schizophyllan Commune. It is used in anti-aging, sun care, and products for mature skin, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-photoaging, and skin whitening properties.
Acting as a "biological response modifier," Schizophyllan provides defense against UV damage. It stimulates keratinocyte proliferation and increases cell turnover and barrier function.
In addition, Schizophyllan increases collagen production, firming the skin and helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Thanks to multiple OH groups in the molecular structure, it attracts water molecules, improving skin hydration and providing additional volume and density.
Studies showed that Schizophyllan also inhibits melanin production, making it a promising skin whitening agent. Combined with polyvinyl alcohol, it forms nanofibrils that accelerate wound healing and skin regeneration. Combinations with other polymers enable its use as a delivery vehicle for hyaluronic acid and other active ingredients.
Studies with oxidized forms of Schizophyllan reveal enhanced bioactivity, including antibacterial properties effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Those forms significantly promote cell proliferation, wound healing, and skin renewal.
References
Efficient production and skincare activity evaluation of schizophyllan, a β-glucan derived from Schizophyllum commune NTU-1
Author(s):
Gou Z, Peng Z, Wang S, Chen L, Ma Z, Kang Y, Sun L, Wang R, Xu H, Gu Y, Sun D, Lei P
DOI:
10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124504
Electrospun Schizophyllan/polyvinyl alcohol blend nanofibrous scaffold as potential wound healing
Author(s):
Safaee-Ardakani MR, Hatamian-Zarmi A, Sadat SM, Mokhtari-Hosseini ZB, Ebrahimi-Hosseinzadeh B, Rashidiani J, Kooshki H
DOI:
10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.256
Preparation and antimicrobial activity of scleraldehyde from Schizophyllum commune
Author(s):
Jayakumar GC, Kanth SV, Chandrasekaran B, Raghava Rao J, Nair BU
DOI:
10.1016/j.carres.2010.07.041
Ultrasound-assisted H2O2 degradation enhances the bioactivity of Schizophyllan for wound healing and tissue regeneration
Author(s):
He Hui, Liu Yu, Li Qingpeng, Chen Fenrou, Zhou Lin
DOI:
10.3389/fphar.2025.1562839
Modular formation of hyaluronic acid/β-glucan hybrid nanogels for topical dermal delivery targeting skin dendritic cells
Author(s):
Kim H, Lee S, Ki CS
DOI:
10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117132
Effects of different extracting conditions on anti-tyrosinase and antioxidant activities of Schizophyllum commune fruit bodies
Author(s):
Abd Razak Dang Lelamurni, Mohd Fadzil Noor Hasni, Jamaluddin Anisah, Abd Rashid Nur Yuhasliza, Sani Nor Ajila, Abdul Manan Musaalbakri
DOI:
10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101116
