Disease: melasma

Synergistic impact of arbutin and kaempferol-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside from Nephelium lappaceum L. on whitening efficacy and stability of cosmetic formulations

This research demonstrates that a natural compound from rambutan seeds works synergistically with arbutin to create more effective skin whitening products. The combination is 35 times more potent than arbutin alone at preventing melanin production in skin cells. The resulting cosmetic formulation maintains its effectiveness and stability for approximately 5.2 months, offering a safer natural alternative to conventional skin lightening agents that can cause irritation.

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Molecular Docking, Synthesis, and Tyrosinase Inhibition Activity of Acetophenone Amide: Potential Inhibitor of Melanogenesis

Researchers developed new chemical compounds that can inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that colors skin). One compound, called 5c, proved exceptionally effective at blocking this enzyme—significantly more potent than existing skin-lightening agents. These acetophenone-based compounds could lead to improved cosmetic treatments for unwanted pigmentation like age spots and melasma, with better safety profiles than current options.

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Development of dihydrooxyresveratrol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for safe and effective treatment of hyperpigmentation

This research developed a new skin-brightening treatment using nanoparticles to deliver oxyresveratrol and its modified form (DHO) more effectively to the skin. The scientists improved the stability of these compounds by creating tiny lipid-based carriers that protect them from light damage and help them penetrate the skin barrier. Testing showed these formulations safely reduced melanin production without harming healthy skin cells, offering promise for cosmetic products to treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

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Novel tyrosinase-inhibitory peptides derived from Locusta migratoria protein hydrolysates: Preparation, identification and molecular docking analysis

Scientists have discovered that peptides from locusts can effectively inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for skin pigmentation. These peptide extracts showed strong ability to prevent melanin production, comparable to existing skin-whitening agents but with much lower toxicity to normal cells. The research identified over 1100 different peptide sequences that could be useful in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products for treating age spots, freckles, and other pigmentation issues.

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Synthesis and biological assessment of novel 4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives as tyrosinase inhibitors

Researchers developed new chemical compounds that can block tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for producing excessive skin pigment that causes dark spots and discoloration. The most effective compound (6f) works better than kojic acid, a commonly used skin-lightening ingredient, and could lead to safer treatments for hyperpigmentation and related skin conditions. Computer simulations showed that one form of the compound fits better into the enzyme’s active site, making it more effective at preventing melanin production.

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Hirsutanone Isolated from the Bark of Alnus japonica Attenuates Melanogenesis via Dual Inhibition of Tyrosinase Activity and Expression of Melanogenic Proteins

Researchers found that hirsutanone, a natural compound from East Asian alder bark, can reduce skin pigmentation by blocking melanin production through two mechanisms: directly inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme and suppressing the cellular signals that trigger melanin-producing genes. In laboratory tests with both mouse and human skin cells, hirsutanone proved more effective than a related compound called oregonin at reducing melanin without harming the cells. This discovery suggests hirsutanone could potentially be developed into a treatment for pigmentation problems like age spots and melasma.

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Antioxidant Potential-Rich Betel Leaves (Piper betle L.) Exert Depigmenting Action by Triggering Autophagy and Downregulating MITF/Tyrosinase In Vitro and In Vivo

This research shows that betel leaves, a traditional herb used in Asian cultures, can lighten skin pigmentation through multiple mechanisms. The extract works by reducing tyrosinase enzyme activity, activating cellular cleanup processes called autophagy, and boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses. In both laboratory cells and living mice exposed to UV radiation, betel leaves extract effectively reduced unwanted skin darkening, suggesting it could be developed into safe natural skin-whitening products.

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Mechanistic Insights into Tyrosinase-Catalyzed Metabolism of Hydroquinone: Implications for the Etiology of Exogenous Ochronosis and Cytotoxicity to Melanocytes

Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin-lightening products that works through enzyme-mediated chemical reactions. This research revealed how an enzyme called tyrosinase processes hydroquinone through different chemical pathways, ultimately producing melanin-like compounds. The study found that long-term hydroquinone use may cause a darkening side effect called exogenous ochronosis through continued enzyme activity, and identified a new chemical marker to track this process.

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Anti-Melanogenic Activity of Calocedrus formosana Wood Essential Oil and Its Chemical Composition Analysis

Researchers tested an essential oil from Taiwan’s precious Calocedrus formosana wood to see if it could lighten skin by blocking melanin production. The oil worked very well at stopping melanin synthesis in laboratory cells, with a compound called thymol being responsible for most of the lightening effect. This natural product could potentially be used in skin whitening cosmetics and offers a safer alternative to synthetic ingredients.

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Tyrosinase Inhibitors Derived from Chemical Constituents of Dianella ensifolia

Researchers isolated four new plant compounds and 67 known compounds from Dianella ensifolia, a traditional Asian medicinal plant. Two of these compounds (11 and 14) were found to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, making them approximately 13 times more effective than arbutin, a common cosmetic whitening ingredient. These findings suggest that D. ensifolia could be developed as a natural source of skin-whitening agents for treating age spots, freckles, and other pigmentation disorders.

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