Research Keyword: melanin

Necromass of Diverse Root-Associated Fungi Suppresses Decomposition of Native Soil Carbon via Impacts of Their Traits

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When fungi die in soil, their dead remains (necromass) affect how quickly the rest of the soil carbon breaks down. This study found that fungi with dark pigments and certain chemical compositions can actually slow down the decomposition of native soil carbon, helping more carbon stay stored in the soil longer. The researchers identified specific fungal traits like melanin content and growth rates that determine whether fungal remains promote or suppress carbon loss from soil.

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Antifungal potential of Rhinacanthus nasutus extracts against the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans

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Researchers studied snake jasmine (Rhinacanthus nasutus), a plant used in traditional Thai medicine, to see if it could fight fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a dangerous pathogen that kills many people worldwide. They found that extract from the plant’s roots effectively slowed fungal growth and weakened the pathogen’s defenses by reducing its ability to produce protective melanin and capsules. Importantly, when combined with amphotericin B, a common antifungal drug, the plant extract worked even better together, suggesting it could enhance existing treatments.

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Isolation and Structural Characterization of Melanins from Red and Yellow Varieties of Stropharia rugosoannulata

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Researchers studied the pigments that give mushrooms their colors, specifically looking at red and yellow varieties of wine cap mushrooms. They found that these colors come from melanin, the same pigment found in human skin. The study revealed that the red variety has more of certain melanin types than the yellow variety, which explains why they look different. These pigments could have health benefits because melanins are known to have antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.

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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

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

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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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Kojic Acid Showed Consistent Inhibitory Activity on Tyrosinase from Mushroom and in Cultured B16F10 Cells Compared with Arbutins

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This study compared four skin-whitening compounds to find the best one for use as a testing standard in laboratories. Kojic acid was found to be the most reliable choice because it effectively blocks the enzyme tyrosinase, which produces skin pigment, without damaging cells. The researchers tested these compounds both in test tubes and in actual melanoma cells to understand how they work differently.

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Safe and Effective Antioxidant: The Biological Mechanism and Potential Pathways of Ergothioneine in the Skin

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Ergothioneine is a natural compound found in certain fungi and bacteria that acts like a powerful antioxidant in the body. When applied to skin, it can protect against damage from sun exposure and environmental pollution, reduce signs of aging, and help calm inflammation. It’s particularly special because it automatically travels to damaged areas in the skin where it’s needed most, making it an efficient and targeted treatment ingredient for cosmetics.

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