2024.07.03
The World's First Red Shiso Extract: The Persuasive Power of a Cosmetic Ingredient Brought by an Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration
A research institute dedicated to red shiso, the AKASHISO LABO, is located in Ashiya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture's Onga District. Conducting research under an industry-academia-government collaboration, fascinating discoveries have been made regarding the beauty and health benefits of red shiso.
This time, we interviewed Seiichi Kanai, the chief director of the AKASHISO LABO. We asked Kanai about the founding background and the notable research results of the institute focusing on red shiso.
PROFILE
Seiichi Kanai
Chief Director of AKASHISO LABO
The Formation of AKASHISO LABO was Prompted by User Feedback
According to Kanai, the match with red shiso came naturally, given that Ashiya Town, home to his cosmetic manufacturing company, PALSEYLLE Co., Ltd., is known for its red shiso.
“Before establishing the AKASHISO LABO, PALSEYLLE had been researching Japanese herbs for many years and decided to experiment with cosmetics using locally sourced red shiso. Turning red shiso into an extract and essential oil resulted in something incredibly fragrant.
"However, it turned out that neither the red shiso extract nor the red shiso essential oil had been registered with INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, a system that prevents multiple names for the same chemical component by registering ingredients with their manufacturing methods and chemical structures).
"If we could register red shiso extract and red shiso oil with INCI, they would become the world’s first such ingredients. Given our desire to develop red shiso as a key ingredient, we attempted and successfully obtained INCI registration.”
Subsequently, the commercialization of products using red shiso progressed smoothly. Consequently, inquiries regarding the efficacy of red shiso began to increase. As the sales volume grew, so did the number of people seeking detailed information about the ingredients in the cosmetics that suited their skin.
“Customers troubled by acne reported excellent results after using red shiso toner, vibrant hair after using red shiso shampoo, and comfort during the pollen season after using red shiso booster oil. Every day, we received more delightful feedback and questions about red shiso.
"However, we couldn’t sufficiently answer the ‘why’ from our customers and had to rely on the limited information available in shiso literature.”
Due to cosmetics-related laws like the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, it wasn't easy to claim the efficacy of products openly. Nevertheless, having evidence of the components of red shiso would increase credibility and expectations. Kanai made a bold decision.
“To clarify the components of red shiso, we started research in collaboration with a national university and Kurume Research Park. We then established the AKASHISO LABO as a sustainable research institution. We continue our research focusing on local Ashiya Town’s specialty product.”
AKASHISO LABO has applied for patents based on its findings. Let's introduce some surprising results.
(1) Virus Binding Inhibitor
When viruses with spike proteins infect cells, the angiotensin-converting enzyme Ⅱ (ACE2) acts as a receptor. The research found that red shiso components could inhibit the binding between the virus's spike protein and ACE2.
When viruses with spike proteins infect cells, the angiotensin-converting enzyme Ⅱ (ACE2) acts as a receptor. The research found that red shiso components could inhibit the binding between the virus's spike protein and ACE2.
(2) Skin Improvement Agent and Use Thereof
The evidence also validated red shiso components' effects on skin improvement, such as anti-allergy and anti-acne.
The evidence also validated red shiso components' effects on skin improvement, such as anti-allergy and anti-acne.
These research results reveal significant potential in red shiso. While commonly used as a coloring agent in pickled plums and red ginger, knowing its hidden powers might change your perspective.
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