Effects of an Ergothioneine-Rich Pleurotus sp. on Skin Moisturizing Functions and Facial Conditions: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Authors:
Motoki Hanayama, Koichiro Mori, Takahiro Ishimoto, Yukio Kato, Junya Kawai

Journal:
Frontiers in Medicine, 2024
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1396783

Study Design

12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Participants

80 healthy Japanese women (ages 20–64) with self-reported dry or rough skin were randomly assigned to receive either ergothioneine-rich Pleurotus sp. tablets or placebo.

Intervention

Participants received daily oral tablets containing 25 mg of L-ergothioneine (EGT) derived from Pleurotus (hiratake) or placebo for 12 weeks. Skin moisture and facial scores were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Outcome Measures

• Skin moisture content (temple, forearm)
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
• Facial condition scores (wrinkles, texture, UV spots, pores via VISIA)
• Plasma EGT concentration
• Adverse events and tolerance

Summary

This double-blind trial evaluated the effects of daily supplementation with an ergothioneine-rich Pleurotus sp. (hiratake) on skin hydration and facial appearance in healthy women. After 8 weeks, the hiratake group showed significantly improved skin moisture on the temple and arm, with reduced TEWL and better wrinkle and texture scores at 12 weeks. Plasma EGT levels rose 4.7-fold in the supplement group. Improvements were most notable in participants with low baseline EGT levels. Mild adverse events were reported in both groups, but none were linked to the supplement. The findings suggest that EGT-rich mushrooms may support skin hydration and texture, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and UV-related skin damage.