Sustainable black lingzhi cosmeceutical development for community ecotourism and grassroots economic resilience

This study investigates the sustainable development of high-value cosmeceuticals utilizing black Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) from the Piyamit 1 ecotourism community in Thailand. To address regional economic vulnerabilities and a lack of distinctive local products, the research used a rigorous dual-extraction technique combining ethanol maceration and microwave-assisted water extraction. Comprehensive phytochemical analyses revealed that the resulting extract has remarkable biological properties, including high total phenolic content (378.28 mg GAE/g DW), potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.80 mg/ml), significant tyrosinase inhibition, and strong antibacterial efficacy against key pathogens. Leveraging these bioactive polysaccharides and triterpenoids, researchers successfully formulated two highly stable, skin-compatible prototype products: a whitening facial cream and a cold-process facial soap. Both formulations showed excellent physical stability across multiple freeze-thaw cycles, strong moisture retention, and exceptionally high consumer satisfaction ratings. By systematically transforming indigenous biological resources into scientifically validated, premium cosmetic goods, this interdisciplinary initiative establishes a distinctive regional identity. Ultimately, this innovative model successfully integrates biodiversity conservation with experiential tourism, offering a highly replicable framework to strengthen grassroots economic resilience in rural Southeast Asian communities.