Skin-whitening Cosmetics Research Articles

Spectrophotometric Determination of 4-n-butylresorcinol in Cosmetics by Decolorization of Oxidized 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine

Background: 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nBR) was widely used in the treatment of chloasma and skin whitening cosmetics. As a decolorizing agent, it can effectively control the activity of tyrosinase. Market regulatory authorities require truthful labeling of ingredients in cosmetics. Therefore, the quantitative determination of 4nBR is of great practical significance. Hypothesis: At present, the main detection method of 4nBR reported in the literature is HPLC. Compared with the HPLC method, optical methods offer several advantages, including low cost, and simplicity, which make them suitable for on-field detection applications. A convenient spectrophotometric method was established for 4nBR detection. Methods: Fe3+ can oxidize the common colorless chromogenic substrate 3,3',5,5'- tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxTMB. Based on the fact that 4-n-butyl resorcinol (4nBR) can reduce oxTMB, a convenient and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of 4nBR was proposed. Results: Under the optimum conditions, the absorbance at 652 nm has a good linear relationship with the concentration of 4nBR in the range of 1.2 - 16 μM. The linear equation for the detection of 4nBR was ΔA = 0.0546 c (μM) - 0.0026 (r2=0.9962), and the detection limit was 0.33 μM. The accuracy of this method is comparable to that of HPLC. Conclusion: This method has good selectivity for 4nBR and good anti-interference ability for common additives in cosmetics. The proposed method can be applied to the determination of 4nBR in thereal samples. other: Optical methods offer several advantages, including low cost, simplicity, which make them suitable for on-field detection application.

Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Hydroquinone Content in Skin Whitening Cosmetics Sold in Lafia-Nigeria

Hydroquinone (HQ) is a whitening or therapeutic constituent in many cosmetic products, but only allowable at a very low concentration. The abuse of HQ via frequent and prolonged usage can lead to health issues such as damage to skin and the sensitive area on the face. In Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on its cosmetic products prohibition of bleaching agents regulations 2019, stated that no cosmetic products should contain more than 2 % of HQ alone or 1 % in combination with other lightening ingredients. This study aimed at qualitative and quantitative determination of HQ content in selected skin whitening cosmetics sold in Lafia. A total of twenty-four (24) various skin bleaching cosmetics were sampled from Lafia modern market. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and uv/visible spectrophotometry were used for qualitative (identification) and quantitative (quantitation) determination of their HQ concentration, respectively. Ethanol (96 %) was used to extract HQ, and then TLC analysis at two different laboratories. At the two laboratories,nine samples (same) out of 24 were found to contain hydroquinone. The uv/visible spectrophotometric analysis indicated that the concentration of hydroquinone ranged from 0.99 % to 1.47 % in the cosmetic products studied.This study revealed that some of the products were labelled free from HQ or not labelled, and yet contained HQ, unknown to the consumers. In general, percentage hydroquinone in all the samples was less than 2 % maximum permissible limit recommended by US FDA and NAFDAC.

Beauty banned: navigating aesthetic citizenship in Rwandan borderlands

ABSTRACT This article contributes to the discourse on aesthetic citizenship within the context of recent policy shifts in Rwanda. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in 2019, I examine two recent import bans of beauty products affecting second-hand fashion and skin-whitening cosmetics, which have had significant implications for the everyday aesthetic practices of Rwandan sex workers. While both initiatives were ostensibly progressive, with the rejection of donated clothing from the West and the prohibition of hazardous cosmetics, these policies have had profound consequences for those whose livelihoods rely on aesthetic labour as a means of social currency. Utilizing the concept of ‘aesthetic citizenship’, I examine how post-genocide Rwanda has expanded its pursuit of creating a harmonious state to include regulations with aesthetic ramifications. Against this backdrop, I demonstrate that by challenging the state-upheld notions of appearance, my sex-worker interlocutors expanded their aesthetic belonging and consumption beyond Rwanda, navigating their aesthetic desires in its borderlands.

The anti-melanogenic properties of Swietenia macrophylla king

Fair flawless skin is the goal for some cultures and the development of irregular skin pigmentation is considered an indication of premature skin aging. Hence, there is a rising demand for skin whitening cosmetics. Thus, this research will be focusing on discovering the anti-pigmentation properties of Swietenia macrophylla seeds. Firstly, the seeds were extracted with ethanol and further fractionate based on their polarity before testing them on zebrafish embryos. The ethanolic extract of the seed demonstrated significant inhibition of both tyrosinase activity and melanin production in the embryos. However, after fractionation, the anti-melanogenic ability was observed to have decreased, signifying that the phytocompounds may be synergistic in nature. Still in the proteomic studies the ethanolic extract and its hexane fraction both induced the downregulation of cathepsin LB and cytoskeletal proteins that have connections to the melanogenic pathway, confirming that S. macrophylla seeds do indeed have anti-pigmentation properties that can be exploited for cosmetic use. Next, limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids found in the seed) were tested for their inhibitory effect against human tyrosinase related protein 1 (TYRP-1) via molecular docking. It was found that limonoids have a stronger binding affinity to TYRP-1 than kojic acid, suggesting that these phytocompounds may have the potential in inhibiting pigmentation. However, this still needs further confirmation before these phytocompounds can be developed into a skin whitening agent. Other assays like ex-vivo or 3D human skin culture can also be used to better study the seeds anti-pigmentation effect on humans.

PENGARUH VARIASI KONSENTRASI GELLING AGENT HPMC (Hidroxypropyl methylcellulose) TERHADAP SIFAT FISIK GEL EKSTRAK ETANOL BIJI EDAMAME (Glycine max)

Edamame seeds (glycine max (L) merr) is a soybean variety that is harvested while still young. Isoflavones present in soybeans such as deidzein, glycitein, and genistein have activity in inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme to achieve skin lightening effects for skin whitening cosmetics. In this study the gel was formulated with HPMC (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) 2%, 3%, 5% as a gel forming agent. Evaluation includes organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The results of organoleptic evaluation of gel form in formula 1 fulfill the requirements, in formula 2 and 3 do not meet the requirements. The physical properties of the odor and color organoleptic formulas 1, 2, and 3 are eligible. in the homogeneity test of formulas 1, 2, and 3 are homogen. In the pH test formula 1,2,3 fulfills skin pH susceptibility pH 6. In the viscosity test of formula 1 250 dPa.S, Formula 2 500 dPa.S and formula 3 800 dPa.S.in the spread test of formula 1 it is 4.4cm, formula 2 is 3.8cm, and formula 3 is 3.7cm. From the results test of the Formula 1 (2% HPMC) meets all physical requirements of the gels.

Theoretical Studies of Cyanophycin Dipeptides as Inhibitors of Tyrosinases.

The three-dimensional structure of tyrosinase has been crystallized from many species but not from Homo sapiens. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis, being an important target for melanoma and skin-whitening cosmetics. Several studies employed the structure of tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus as a model enzyme. Recently, 98% of human genome proteins were elucidated by AlphaFold. Herein, the AlphaFold structure of human tyrosinase and the previous model were compared. Moreover, tyrosinase-related proteins 1 and 2 were included, along with inhibition studies employing kojic and cinnamic acids. Peptides are widely studied for their inhibitory activity of skin-related enzymes. Cyanophycin is an amino acid polymer produced by cyanobacteria and is built of aspartic acid and arginine; arginine can be also replaced by other amino acids. A new set of cyanophycin-derived dipeptides was evaluated as potential inhibitors. Aspartate–glutamate showed the strongest interaction and was chosen as a leading compound for future studies.

Health Effects of Dyes, Minerals, and Vitamins Used in Cosmetics

The average woman uses 12 different cosmetic products every day, but they can have a negative effect on human health. Therefore, in recent years, consumer preferences have changed towards buying natural or ecological cosmetics free from preservatives or unnecessary dyes. The aim of this work is to discuss the use of dyes, minerals, and vitamins in cosmetics in terms of their safety and impact on human health. These substances are very important in the cosmetics industry. Most of them are of natural origin. Some minerals used in the production of face masks or creams are recommended to work against inflammations such as ulcers and acne. Clay minerals have exceptional qualities, among others, low or no toxicity and high bio-compatibility. However, some of them may be harmful. For example, the safety of using talc has been widely debated in recent years. Cosmetic-grade talc cannot contain detectable fibrous asbestos minerals. Moreover, talc should not be applied to the skin when the epidermal barrier is missing or significantly disrupted. The use of talc in cosmetic products in the European Union is restricted. Vitamins are one of the most commonly used, biologically active, and easily accessible components in cosmetics. For example, provitamin B5 (D-panthenol) is a bioactive substance. In cosmetic preparations, it has a softening, repairing, and anti-inflammatory effect and is responsible for regulating sebum secretion. However, some vitamins may be harmful to human health. For example, the use of skin-whitening cosmetics containing vitamin C causes allergic contact dermatitis, whereas the most common adverse effect of topical use of vitamin A is skin irritation, erythema, and peeling. Dyes, which are used to color cosmetics, do not improve the condition of the skin, hair, or nails. Some of them may be harmful to human health. For example, the dye CI 60730 (Acid Violet 43) is prohibited for use in eye products and cosmetics that have contact with mucous membranes. In conclusion, some of the popular cosmetic ingredients discussed in this paper may exert a negative influence on human health, and many of these harmful effects have been discovered recently. Therefore, there is a need for further studies on the possible negative effects of dyes, minerals, and vitamins used in cosmetic products.

Determination of 13 sunscreen agents in cosmetics by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

防晒剂广泛应用于化妆品中,是目前化妆品监管的重点。建立了同时测定化妆品中13种防晒剂的气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)方法。化妆品样品经二氯甲烷提取后,涡旋超声后稀释。采用程序升温模式,经HP-5ms毛细管色谱柱(30 m×250 μm×0.25 μm)在30 min内对13种防晒剂实现分离,经电子轰击(EI)源电离后采用选择离子监测模式(SIM)扫描测定,外标法定量。比较了6种常用有机溶剂的基质效应和平均回收率,二氯甲烷的基质效应弱,平均回收率较高。13种防晒剂在相应的线性范围内线性关系良好,相关系数均大于0.998,检出限(LOD, S/N=3)为0.04~0.63 mg/g,定量限(LOQ, S/N=10)为0.12~2.10 mg/g。实验选取了两种基质,在3个水平下验证方法的回收率和精密度,13种防晒剂在霜类基质中的加标回收率为88.7%~103.6%,相对标准偏差(RSD, n=6)为1.7%~4.9%,在乳类基质中的加标回收率为88.4%~102.3%, RSD(n=6)为1.2%~3.9%。美白类化妆品常添加防晒剂成分,为监管盲区,采用该方法检测了5批含有防晒剂的美白类化妆品,其所含5种防晒剂的含量为0.8%~5.2%,符合相关要求。该方法操作简单,灵敏度高,回收率好,测定的13种防晒剂均为我国《化妆品安全技术规范》2015版规定的常用的限用组分,可以用于各类化妆品中13种防晒剂的定性定量测定,为市场监管和实验室检测提供新的技术支持。

Rhododendrol-induced leukoderma update I: Clinical findings and treatment.

Individuals who used skin‐whitening cosmetics (quasi‐drugs) containing 2% rhododendrol‐containing agents, developed leukoderma at a higher frequency than those who have used other skin‐whitening cosmetics. The Rhododenol Research Team (RD‐Team) was formed and commissioned by Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. to conduct research in treatments of rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma (RDL), to evaluate effective treatment options from a medical standpoint, and provide information to a wide range of people. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of various treatments for RDL from a medical perspective, based on the information published in the literature as original or review articles. We searched the PubMed (international) and the Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) (Japanese) databases using the keywords “Rhododenol” and “rhododendrol”, for articles published between July 2013 and November 2020. We discuss the main clinical findings and treatments (topical, oral, phototherapy, and surgical) of this condition based on the literature review. We found that ultraviolet light therapy is the most effective treatment for RDL. We have also summarized reports of the efficacy of oral vitamin D3 in RDL. A topical prostaglandin derivative has been reported in a new study to be effective. We have provided guidance for patients using self‐tanning and skin‐whitening agents to improve their quality of life. Finally, we have highlighted the importance of providing patients with information on contact dermatitis and instructing them to discontinue product use immediately if they develop any symptoms of contact dermatitis while using skin‐whitening agents.

Antaroide, a Novel Natural Nine-Membered Macrolide, Inhibits Melanin Biosynthesis in B16F10 Murine Melanoma Cells.

The demand for natural substances with anti-melanogenic activity is increasing due to the recent interest in skin whitening. Intensive investigation on the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. SCO-736, a marine bacterium from the Antarctica coast, has led to the isolation of a new natural product named antaroide (1). The chemical structure was established through the interpretation of MS, UV, and NMR spectroscopic data. Antaroide is a nine-membered macrolide with lactone and lactam moieties. To investigate its applicability in skin whitening cosmetics, its anti-melanogenic activity in B16F10 murine melanoma cells was examined. As a result, antaroide displayed strong inhibitory activities against melanin synthesis and also attenuated the dendrite formation induced by the α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Antaroide suppressed the mRNA expression of the melanogenic enzymes such as tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. This suggests that it may serve as a transcriptional regulator of melanogenesis. Collectively, the discovery of this novel natural nine-membered macrolide and its anti-melanogenic activity could give new insights for the development of skin whitening agents.

Multiuse Al-MOF Chemosensors for Visual Detection and Removal of Mercury Ions in Water and Skin-Whitening Cosmetics

Water and cosmetics containing mercury can cause damage to the skin and body. There is a great need for in situ monitoring and removal of mercury ion concentrations with a highly selective, sensiti...

Simultaneous determination of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, kojic acid, arbutin and hydroquinone in skin whitening cosmetics by HPLC

A high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for simultaneous determination of 5 whitening ingredients: magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, kojic acid, arbutin and hydroquinone decomposed from arbutin in cosmetics. Samples were extracted with 0.05 M KH2PO4 buffer solution (pH 2.5) and analyzed using a Cosmosil 5 C18-AR-II column. A mixture of 0.05 M KH2PO4 buffer solution (pH 2.5) and methanol (99:1, v/v) was used as mobile phase. The UV detector was set at 280 nm. Pyridoxine was used as an internal standard. The related coefficients, R2, of regression equations of the 5 standard curves were 0.9998-1.0000. The relative standard deviations of the 5 ingredients for intraday and interday analysis were less than 2.4%. The average recoveries of these 5 ingredients spiked in sample ranged from 93.5% to 103.3%. The relative standard deviations of average recoveries were less than 1.3%. The limits of quantitation in cosmetics were 80.0, 20.0, 3.0, 15.0 and 10.0 μg/mL for magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, kojic acid, arbutin and hydroquinone, respectively.

Anti-melanogenic Effects of Kojic Acid and Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives

Melanin provides photoprotection against UV irradiation, but excessive melanin accumulation can cause several problems such as darkened skin, melasma, and freckles. Although many anti-melanogenic agents have been developed for skin-whitening cosmetics, safety issues have been raised regarding these products. As natural substances are often non-toxic and are considered by some to be safer than synthetic compounds, various attempts have been made to synthesize active derivatives from natural substances. In this study, we evaluated the anti-melanogenic effects of four synthesized derivatives (compound 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d) of kojic and hydroxycinnamic acids which are natural anti-melanogenic substances. Three of these derivatives (2a, 2b, and 2c) inhibited tyrosinase, which catalyzes a rate-limiting step of melanogenesis. Additionally, cell viability and melanin formation were investigated using B16F10 melanoma cells. Compounds 2b and 2c exhibited cytotoxicity towards B16F10 melanoma cells, while compound 2a caused a significant decrease in melanin formation without cytotoxicity. Thus, compound 2a may be viable as a potent skin-whitening agent derived from natural compounds.

Preparation of activated carbon from date stones as a catalyst to the reactivity of hydroquinone: Application in skin whitening cosmetics samples

Abstract In this study, the authors report on the use of the date stones as a raw material for the production of activated carbon (AC) using the physical activation. The as prepared activated carbon were first characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDX) and chemical methods, and then used as modifier agents for the carbon paste electrode (CPE) to study the electrochemical behavior of the hydroquinone (HQ). This electrochemical study was carried out using the cyclic voltammetry, the chronoamperometry and the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) of the response surface methodology was employed to investigate the effect of different parameters of the AC preparation on the peak potential of the hydroquinone. The transfer coefficient α, the apparent electron transfer rate constant ks and the electro–catalytic activity K for the redox reaction of the hydroquinone at the surface of the AC-CPE were determined using electrochemical approaches. Differential voltammetric measurements of the hydroquinone at the modified electrode exhibited the linear range of 5.0 × 10−8 mol L−1 to 1.0 × 10−3 mol L−1 with a low detection limit of 3.6 × 10−8 mol L−1. Finally, this method was applied for the determination of HQ in skin whitening cosmetics samples.

Recombinant lignin peroxidase-catalyzed decolorization of melanin using in-situ generated H2O2 for application in whitening cosmetics

Lignin peroxidase has high potential as ingredient in skin whitening cosmetics due to its high redox potential to oxidize recalcitrant melanin. Currently crude mixtures of lignin peroxidase from fungal fermentation are usually applied to cosmetics due to the intrinsic difficulties of expression and purification. However, the present study focused on heterologous expression and purification of lignin peroxidase isozyme H8 (LiPH8) from Phanerochaete chrysosporium and was further used for melanin decolorization. Results revealed that the optimum pH for melanin decolorization using LiPH8 was obtained at pH 4.0. The intermittent feeding of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was effectively elevating melanin decolorization efficiency up to 73%, since excessive H2O2 inactivated LiPH8. For cosmetic application, intermittent feeding of H2O2 is not feasible, thus glucose oxidase (GOx) from Aspergillus niger was employed for in-situ generation of H2O2. By optimizing the GOx and glucose concentrations, a melanin decolorization efficiency up to 63.3 ± 2.4% was obtained within 1 h and continued to 84.0 ± 1.8% in 8 h. Conclusively, lignin peroxidase-catalyzed decolorization of melanin with in-situ generated H2O2 revealed a promising approach for whitening cosmetics applications.

Safety and efficacy of tyrosinase inhibition of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews extracts on human melanoma cells.

The development of tyrosinase inhibitors is a hot research topic. Recently, the Chinese herb Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, commonly named as Cortex Moutan (CM), was reported as being capable of reducing melanogenesis. We developed an A2058 human melanoma cell model to test the safety and efficacy of tyrosinase inhibition. The aim was to further clarify the bioactivities of CM extracts and paeonol for the purpose of skin whitening. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory effects of water and ethanol CM extracts were determined. Cellular inhibitions of tyrosinase and melanin production were also evaluated. Water and ethanol CM extracts were both shown to have strong DPPH scavenging abilities in a dose-dependent manner. The polyphenol content was higher in the ethanol CM extract compared to the water extract, while the flavanone content was comparable. Kinetic analyses revealed that the ethanol CM extract and paeonol are noncompetitive tyrosinase inhibitors. The cellular melanin content and l-DOPA oxidation assays demonstrated that the ethanol CM extract was an appropriate alternative whitening agent to paeonol and arbutin in ultraviolet-induced A2058 human melanoma cells. The results of this study suggest that a human cell model is more suitable for determining tyrosinase activity than mouse cell models for determining cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin production. The ethanol CM extract was also confirmed as a promising ingredient in sun protection and skin whitening cosmetics. Future work should focus on melanogenesis-related gene expressions.

PENGARUH VARIASI KONSENTRASI GELLING AGENT HPMC (Hidroxypropyl methylcellulose) TERHADAP SIFAT FISIK GEL EKSTRAK ETANOL BIJI EDAMAME (Glycine max)

Edamame seeds (glycine max (L) merr) is a soybean variety that is harvested while still young. Isoflavones present in soybeans such as deidzein, glycitein, and genistein have activity in inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme to achieve skin lightening effects for skin whitening cosmetics. In this study the gel was formulated with HPMC (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) 2%, 3%, 5% as a gel forming agent. Evaluation includes organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The results of organoleptic evaluation of gel form in formula 1 fulfill the requirements, in formula 2 and 3 do not meet the requirements. The physical properties of the odor and color organoleptic formulas 1, 2, and 3 are eligible. in the homogeneity test of formulas 1, 2, and 3 are homogen. In the pH test formula 1,2,3 fulfills skin pH susceptibility pH 6. In the viscosity test of formula 1 250 dPa.S, Formula 2 500 dPa.S and formula 3 800 dPa.S.in the spread test of formula 1 it is 4.4cm, formula 2 is 3.8cm, and formula 3 is 3.7cm. From the results test of the Formula 1 (2% HPMC) meets all physical requirements of the gels. Keywords :Gel, HPMC, Sifat Fisik Edamame

Plants and Natural Products for the Treatment of Skin Hyperpigmentation - A Review.

Skin hyperpigmentation is caused by several factors that upregulate melanogenesis. Plants and natural products with skin-whitening effects are gaining interest among consumers and researchers because they are perceived to be milder, safer, and healthier than synthetic alternatives. This review extensively summarizes the status of plants and natural products currently used in skin-whitening cosmetics as well as potential candidates for future use, because the scope of natural choices for efficient treatment of skin hyperpigmentation is rapidly widening. Biological activities of plants and natural extracts are therefore available for cosmetic formulators and dermatologists interested in naturally derived ingredients for skin hyperpigmentation treatment and in accordance with the consumers' preferences and expectations upon natural cosmetic products.

Logam Merkuri pada Masker Pemutih Wajah di Pasar Martapura

<p style="text-align: justify;">Currently, many brands and types of skin whitening cosmetics can be found on the market. Not all products are safe for consumers. Illegal or non-licensed cosmetics from BPOM are suspect because unlisted cosmetics tend to contain harmful chemicals such as mercury (Hg). Mercury (Hg) was including harmful heavy metals. The use of mercury has been banned since 1998 through PERMENKES RI No. 445 of 1998, where mercury in small concentrations can be toxic. Negative effects of mercury such as allergies, skin irritation and permanent damage to the nervous system, kidney, brain and disrupt the development of the fetus, especially when used in high doses. The aim of this study was to know whether there is mercury content on bleach mask that sold in Martapura market in March 2017. This study used a descriptive method and the sample was taken by purposive sampling technique. There were 10 samples of face bleach mask that cost around Rp5.000,00 - Rp20.000,00. Based on the results of 10 samples taken at Martapura market, 3 samples contained mercury of face bleach mask. The conclusion of this study is that mercury still used as bleach on the facial in the Martapura market. Therefore, BPOM needs more supervision and intensive counseling about the risk of bleaching cosmetics containing mercury, so the consumer can be careful in choosing cosmetics.

Annona muricata L. extracts decrease melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells

BackgroundAnnona muricata (A. muricata) L. (also known as graviola) contains various antioxidants that have beneficial effects on headaches, hypertension, coughs and asthma. A. muricata L. also has various other physiological effects, such as antispasmodic effects for the treatment of heart conditions, and sedative and nervine effects. In the present study, the effect of A. muricata L. extracts on melanogenesis was investigated and the ensuing inhibitory mechanisms were determined.MethodsThe inhibitory effects of A. muricata L. extracts on melanogenesis were initially investigated by measuring melanin contents. Subsequently, the ensuing mechanisms were characterized by determining changes in the activity of tyrosinase, which is the rate-limiting step of melanogenesis. Finally, mRNA and protein expression levels of tyrosinase and the melanogenesis-associated transcription factor (MITF) were determined.ResultsDecreased melanin contents after treatments with A. muricata L. extracts suggested skin-whitening effects, and these changes were reflected by decreased tyrosinase activities. In addition, tyrosinase mRNA and protein expression levels were regulated by A. muricata L. extracts. MITF is a known key transcription factor of tyrosinase and was transcriptionally regulated by A. muricata L. extracts. Specifically, MITF mRNA expression levels were decreased in the presence of A. muricata L. extracts. Taken together, the melanogenesis-moderating effects of A. muricata L. extracts follow suppression of MITF mRNA expression and subsequent transactivation of tyrosinase.ConclusionsThe results of the present study confirm the skin-whitening effects of A. muricata L. and characterize the related molecular mechanisms. These data indicate that A. muricata L. has high potential as an ingredient of skin-whitening cosmetics.