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Anti-Melanogenic Potential of Natural and Synthetic Substances: Application in Zebrafish Model

Summary

This research explores natural and synthetic substances that can affect skin pigmentation, using zebrafish as a test model. The study is particularly relevant for developing treatments for skin conditions involving abnormal pigmentation. Impact on everyday life: – Could lead to safer and more effective skin lightening treatments – May help develop better treatments for conditions like melasma and age spots – Could provide natural alternatives to current synthetic skin whitening products – May lead to improved understanding of skin pigmentation disorders – Could result in new cosmetic products with fewer side effects

Background

Melanogenesis is a biosynthetic pathway for melanin formation in human skin, with tyrosinase being a key enzyme that catalyzes the first and limiting step. Since the discovery of its melanogenic properties, tyrosinase has been the focus of anti-melanogenesis research. The zebrafish model has emerged as an important tool for studying depigmenting activity of bioactive compounds due to similarities between human and zebrafish genomes and skin characteristics.

Objective

This review aimed to analyze and compile recent scientific information on melanogenesis inhibitors of natural (plant or fungal) and synthetic origin using zebrafish as an experimental model. The study sought to clarify how the zebrafish depigmenting system works and its similarities to human systems.

Results

The review found that various natural and synthetic compounds demonstrate anti-melanogenic activity in zebrafish models. Fungal metabolites, particularly from Trichoderma species, showed substantial melanogenesis inhibition potential. The study identified multiple compounds including kojic acid, azelaic acid, and various plant extracts that effectively inhibit tyrosinase activity. Synthetic compounds between 100-300 g/mol showed varying degrees of effectiveness in melanogenesis inhibition.

Conclusion

Tyrosinase inhibitors represent a promising approach for treating depigmentation disorders. Plants and fungi, especially Trichoderma species, produce important bioactive metabolites that can inhibit tyrosinase. The zebrafish model has proven to be a viable in vivo system for evaluating depigmenting activity of melanogenic regulatory compounds, offering simple observation of the pigmentation process without complicated experimental procedures.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules28031053
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