Skin Whitening Effects Research Articles

LB1597 Palmitoyl-KVK-L-ascorbic acid inhibits melanogenesis in B16F1 cells through the down-regulation of tyrosinase and MITF

Palmitoyl-KVK-L-ascorbic acid (Duo-vitapep) is the whitening agent synthesized by conjugation of palmitoyl-KVK and ascorbic acid. In a previous study, we demonstrated the skin-whitening effect in clinical trial and the reduction of melanin contents in B16F1 cells. However, the underlying mechanism involved in melanogenesis has not elucidated yet. In this study, we investigated the expression of enzymes and their cellular signaling pathways involved in melanin synthesis. Treatment of B16F1 cells with Duo-vitapep reduced cellular tyrosinase activity but did not inhibit cell-free tyrosinase activity. In addition, the expression of tyrosinase decreased with dose dependent manner. However, Duo-vitapep did not regulate the gene expression of tyrosinase and level of AKT/p-AKT protein. These results suggest that Duo-vitapep inhibits melanogenesis by reducing the protein level of tyrosinase and might be involved in tyrosinase maturation or degradation pathway. Duo-vitapep also reduced the level of MITF protein, but did not change its mRNA expression and protein level of CREB/p-CREB. In contrast, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 protein significantly increased and PD98059 blocked the increased level of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by Duo-vitapep. These results suggest that Duo-vitapep decreased MITF protein level via phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and might relate with degradation pathway. In conclusion, Duo-vitapep inhibits the melanogenesis by down-regulation of tyrosinase and MITF.

Facial Microfiber Tissue with plant extracts: A new cosmetic concept shows whitening efficacy in Asian volunteers.

The Asian population presents a high incidence of Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. The management of skin tone is a very important cosmetic issue in these groups. Efficacy check of a new cosmetic concept to achieve skin color lightening arouses great interest. To estimate the clinical efficacy of a new facial microfiber tissue (FMT) which combines a surface micropeeling technology (due to the structure of the microfibers) with skin whitening cosmetic actives in Asian skin. The FMT is a new concept featuring a dry microfiber tissue loaded with cosmetic actives, which is just wetted with little tap water before use. A total of 34 females aged 21-58years old with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were enrolled in this randomized, blank-controlled trial for 12weeks. Participants applied FMT on the left or right forearm according to random assignment. At the same time, FMT was used on the face. Skin whitening effects on the forearm and face were evaluated using Mexameter MX18 and Minolta Spectrophotometer CM-2600d. In addition, assessment by subjects via a self-evaluation questionnaire was conducted at study end. The FMT treatment showed a significant whitening effect mainly on the forearm compared with blank control forearm. Facial whitening was also noted. No adverse reactions were reported during the study. The new cosmetic concept of FMT can be used as an effective and safe whitening cosmetic agent.

The influences of genes, the environment, and social factors on the evolution of skin color diversity in India.

Skin color is a highly visible and variable trait across human populations. It is not yet clear how evolutionary forces interact to generate phenotypic diversity. Here, we sought to unravel through an integrative framework the role played by three factors-demography and migration, sexual selection, and natural selection-in driving skin color diversity in India. Skin reflectance data were collected from 10 diverse socio-cultural populations along the latitudinal expanse of India, including both sexes. We first looked at how skin color varies within and between these populations. Second, we compared patterns of sexual dimorphism in skin color. Third, we studied the influence of ultraviolet radiation on skin color throughout India. Finally, we attempted to disentangle the interactions between these factors in the context of available genetic data. We found that the relative importance of these forces varied between populations. Social factors and population structure have played a stronger role than natural selection in shaping skin color diversity across India. Phenotypic overprinting resulted from additional genetic mutations overriding the skin lightening effect of variants such as the SLC24A5 rs1426654-A allele in some populations, in the context of the variable influence of sexual selection. Furthermore, specific genotypes are not associated reliably with specific skin color phenotypes. This result has relevance for DNA forensics and ancient DNA research. India is a crucible of macro- and micro-evolutionary forces, and the complex interactions of physical and social forces are visible in the patterns of skin color seen today in the country.

Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is one of the richest natural sources of ascorbic acid and contains a plethora of phytonutrients like carotenoids phenolics, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. There is an upsurge of interest in this fruit among the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies over the last few years. The fruit contains an exorbitant amount of ascorbic acid in the range of 1500-4500mg/100g, which is around 50-100 times than that of orange or lemon. Having a reservoir of phytonutrients, the fruit exhibits high antioxidant capacity and several interesting biofunctional properties like skin whitening effect, anti-aging and multidrug resistant reversal activity. Countries like Brazil, realizing the potential of the fruit have started to exploit it commercially and have established a structured agro-industrial based market. In spite of possessing an enriched nutrient profile with potent "functional food" appeal, acerola is underutilized in large part of the globe and demands greater attention. A comprehensive literature analysis was carried out with reference to the latest frontiers on the compositional characteristics of the fruit. Emphasis has been given on newer dimensions of functional aspects of ascorbic acid and allied work and pectin and pectin methylesterase. The range of nutraceutical phytonutrients present in acerola and their biofunctional properties has been discussed. Recent advances in the value addition of the fruit highlighting the use of techniques like filtration, encapsulation, ultrasound, sonication, etc. are also elaborated. Furthermore, the potential use of acerola pulp in edible films and waste utilization for development of valuable byproducts has been highlighted.

Analysis of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-whitening effect of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban

병풀(Centella asiatica L. Urban)은 피부상처의 치료제 등의 원료로 해마다 해외 수입량은 증가하고 있으나 국내의 자생하는 Centella asiatica종의 조사 및 재배에 관한 연구는 극히 미진하다. 따라서 본 연구는 경상남도 합천의 농가에서 재배중인 국내 자생종인 병풀에 대하여 항균성, 항염증 등을 조사하고, 피부의 상처 및 노화와 관련된 미백효능과 주름개선효과 등에 관한 기초 실험을 수행한 결과 항균 및 항염증 효능은 메탄올 추출물 그리고 미백효능은 물로 추출한 경우에 가장 높은 효능을 확인 할 수 있었으며 보다 상세하게 설명하면 다음과 같다. 7종의 세균과 1종의 곰팡이에 대하여 50% 메탄올로 추출한 병풀 추출물을 처리한 결과 대부분의 세균들은 대조군으로 처리한 오미자 추출물군과 비교하여 유사하거나 낮은 수준의 유의한 항균력을 나타내었으나 S. pyogenes은 유일하게 병풀추출물에서만 항균력을 보였다. 곰팡이인 C. albicans는 병풀과 오미자 모두의 처리에 대하여 항균활성을 확인 할 수가 없었다. Raw 264.7세포를 이용한 항염증효능을 조사한 결과 50%메탄올로 추출한 추출물을 농도별로 처리한 결과 대조구에 비하여 50% 이상의 산화질소 생성량이 감소함을 확인 할 수 있었다. 한편 B16F10세포주를 이용한 미백효능을 조사한 결과에서는 물로 추출한 추출물을 처리한 결과 대조구에 비하여 멜라닌의 농도가 약 20%까지 감소하였음을 확인하였다. NHDF세포를 이용하여 병풀추출물을 처리한 결과 주름개선효능의 지표에 해당하는 MMP-1의 급격한 감소율을 나타내는 처리농도(400 ppm)를 확인하였으나 강한 세포독성도 동시에 확인이 되어 향후 추가연구가 필요한 것으로 조사되었다.

Evaluation of tyrosinase inhibitory potential in flowers of Cassia auriculata L. for the development of natural skin whitening formulation

IntroductionThe inhibition of tyrosinase has been a long-term target in the field of cosmetics for skin whitening purposes. Since the number of reports on issues related to toxicity of currently employed synthetic formulations is alarmingly increasing, there is an increased interest for plant based natural skin whitening agents. Therefore, this study focuses on the evaluation of skin whitening effect of the hydromethanolic extract prepared from the flowers of Cassia auriculata L., a plant widely employed in traditional medicine in Sri Lanka to improve complexion. MethodsThe skin whitening effect of the extract was determined by in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory assay while the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH assay. Thereafter a topical formulation was developed using this extract and the tyrosinase inhibitory potential was further investigated. ResultsC. auriculata extract has displayed a strong tyrosinase inhibition with an IC50 of 42.49 μg/mL, while the IC50 value of the positive control (ascorbic acid) was determined as 33.70 μg/mL. The formulation developed from this extract has also displayed a potent inhibition of the enzyme with an IC50 of 70.70 μg/mL which was extremely remarkable than the commercial preparation of kojic acid. In addition, C. auriculata extract has exhibited a strong antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 19.99 μg/mL, suggesting a possible correlation between tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity. ConclusionThe preliminary findings reveal that C. auriculata has a high potential to be used as a natural skin whitening agent due to the inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme as well as the strong antioxidant activity.

Specificity of Mercury Detecting Reagents for Skin Lightening Creams

Inorganic mercury compound have been used for long time in cosmetics preparations for its skin lightening effect. The used of mercury in cosmetics has been prohibited as stipulated in the decision of the BPOM RI (Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) No.HK.00.01.432.6147. Based on health department research from various countries, there are a number of skin lightening products containing mercury between 660-57.000 μg/kg. People needs a quick and easy way to detect mercury in a lightening cream, so that people can test the safety of cream that used. One alternative that can be used to detect mercury in skin lightening cosmetics is using detecting reagents. The aim of this study was preparation of specific and sensitive mercury detecting reagents. The detecting reagents consisted mixtures of diphenylcarbazone and acetic acid in 96% of ethanol. The specificity test is performed by adding diphenylcarbazone solution into a lightening cream containing whitening agents such as mercury, hydroquinone, bangkuang extract and mixture of these substances. Assay was also performed on simulated cream that contained mercury, zinc oxide, bismuthsubnitrate, and mixture of mercury, zinc oxide and bismuthsubnitrate. The mercury detecting reagents gives a distinctive result that shown by the formation of purple mercury complex in less than 3 minutes.

Converting Spent Coffee Grounds into Bioactive Extracts with Potential Skin Antiaging and Lightening Effects

The aim of this study was to valorize spent coffee grounds (SCG) into bioactive extracts for improving skin health. These extracts were obtained by subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 100 bar and temperatures up to 220 °C, in a semicontinuous mode. They were analyzed for phenolic acids, carbohydrates, antioxidant activity (AA) measured by the DPPH assay, ROS-scavenging activity in keratinocyte cells, and elastase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. SCG extracts collected up to 140 °C had higher phenolic acids content (19.9 mgGA/gdry SCG), higher AA (EC50 of 20.6 μg mL–1), and lower carbohydrate content (38 mgsugars/gdry SCG) than the fraction collected from 140 to 220 °C (5.7 mgGA/gdry SCG, EC50 of 132.2 μg mL–1, and 286 mgsugars/gdry SCG). The extracts were proven to have antiaging and skin lightening effects by inhibiting elastase (99% and 97.9%) and tyrosinase (78.6% and 92.1%) activity. The extracts were incorporated in shear thinning and acidic hydrogels for topical application. Release (70%) and p...

국내산 신이대 잎 추출물의 B16F10 흑색종 세포내에서 멜라닌 생성억제

Bamboo trees have been used as construction material, fiber and food resources. Among many parts of the tree, especially, bamboo leaves are known to contain various bioactive compounds for food and medicinal application. Polyphenols, glycosides, amino acids and minerals such as silica in bamboo leaves have provided antioxidant, astringent, antiwrinkle properties. However, there is little study on the skin whitening effect of the extract. In this study, therefore, inhibition of in-vitro tyrosinase and melanin biosynthesis by the water, ethanol, and methanol extracts of domestic bamboo Sasa coreana Nakai were investigated in B16F10 melanoma cells. The methanol extract (SCM) showed in-vitro tyrosinase inhibition activity with ICSUB50/SUB values of 168 μg/mL, and invivo cytotoxic concentration ranges 100 μg/mL. Protein expression and transcription levels of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2 were decreased in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with SCM. These results suggest that SCM could be used as a candidate for a potential whitening agent in cosmetics.

나이아신 펩타이드 융합체의 피부 미백 소재로서의 기능성 평가

The purpose of this study was to investigate the skin-whitening effects of Niacinamide-dipeptide Convergence (Niacin-peptide). To evaluate skin-whitening effects of Niacin-peptide, we performed tyrosinase inhibition assay and L-DOPA oxidation inhibition assay. These results demonstrated that Niacin-peptide decreased melanin production through tyrosinase inhibition. Also, we measured expression level of melanogenesis-related mRNA and proteins by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting. Results of PCR and Western blotting were showed that Niacin-peptide reduced expression of microphthalmia- associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase related protein-2 (TRP- 2) and tyrosinase. Thus, we identified the skin-whitening effect of Niacin-peptide and this finding demonstrated that Niacinamide-dipeptide Convergence may have potential as cosmetic ingredient.

Ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1, the skin-whitening agents in black ginseng

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is widely used to treat various chronic disorders. Black ginseng is obtained by repeated steaming and drying of raw ginseng, which turn it black and convert the ginsenoside compounds present into more potent bioactive ingredients. The effects of a black ginseng extract on melanin production and skin whitening were evaluated in vitro as well as in vivo using human skin and zebrafish embryos. Tyrosinase activity decreased when steamed and dried ginseng was used. A pronounced skin-whitening effect was observed in our clinical study, and inhibition of melanin activity and tyrosinase levels was confirmed in zebrafish embryos. Two ginsenosides specific to black ginseng activate the MEK-ERK signaling pathway and are the main factors responsible for skin whitening. The skin-whitening effects of black ginseng are associated with the formation of two ginsenosides, indicating that black ginseng can be used as a novel skin-whitening agent in cosmetic products.

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.

The potential of fucoidans from Chnoospora minima and Sargassum polycystum in cosmetics: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, skin-whitening, and antiwrinkle activities

Over the years, bioactive and biocompatible natural products have received increased attention as ingredients of cosmeceutical formulations owing to their robust properties compared to many of the synthetic chemicals in use. Many natural products derived from algae have shown promising cosmetizing properties. Seaweed polysaccharides, in particular, have received increased attention for their biofunctional and physicochemical characteristics. This study aimed to design a cost-effective strategy to purify fucoidans from the untapped brown algae Chnoospora minima (CMF) and Sargassum polycystum (SPF) harvested in Sri Lanka and to evaluate their cosmetizing properties. Based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and monosaccharide composition analysis, the purified polysaccharides were rich in fucoidan. Relatively high sulfate content was detected in both fucoidans. Experiments were carried out to evaluate antioxidant, UV-protective, anti-inflammatory, antiwrinkling, and skin-whitening effects. Both CMF and SPF showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and alkyl radical-scavenging activities, anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, considerable collagenase and elastase inhibitory properties and skin-whitening effects via direct inhibition of tyrosinase, and intracellular melanin synthesis indicating promising cosmetizing effects.

Anti-oxidant, skin whitening, and antibacterial effects of Canavalia gladiata extracts

Anti-oxidant, skin whitening, and antibacterial effects of <i>Canavalia gladiata</i> extracts

Whitening function of Chinese traditional medicine formula via laser Doppler technology

ABSTRACTFair skins are traditionally viewed as beautiful in Eastern regions of the world, and whitening effect is therefore eternally pursued. The aim of this study was to evaluate the whitening effectiveness of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula using laser Doppler technology. In addition, a melanin and erythema meter (Mexameter MX18/MPA-9, Courage&Kahazaka) and VISIA facial imaging booth (VISIA-CR, Canfield) were used to establish parallel comparisons. Pre- and post-treatment results showed that the TCM formula exhibits the best skin whitening effect. This was followed in effectiveness by the vitamin C group. The negative control and blank groups showed no whitening effect. The obtained results indicated that skin micro-circulation was enhanced in the TCM formula group. Therefore,this method could provide sufficient nutritive substances to fibroblasts and collagen, which in turn remove cell metabolic waste and other harmful substances such as superoxide anion in a timely manner. This improves the overall health of skin cells.

Anti-Pigmentation Effects of Eight Phellinus linteus-Fermented Traditional Crude Herbal Extracts on Brown Guinea Pigs of Ultraviolet B-Induced Hyperpigmentation.

We have previously found that mycelia culture broth of eight kinds of traditional herbal extracts fermented with Phellinus linteus (previously named as 8-HsPLCB) not only inhibited melanin and tyrosinase activity, but also reduced the contents of melanogenesis-related proteins, including tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, in 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine-stimulated B16F0 melanoma cells. For a further study, the effect of 8-HsPLCB against skin pigmentation in brown guinea pigs with ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyperpigmentation was investigated. 8-HsPLCB (3%) and arbutin (2%) as positive controls were applied topically twice daily for 4 weeks to the hyperpigmented areas. 8-HsPLCB showed skin-lightening effect as effective as arbutin, one of the most widely used in whitening cosmetics. Melanin index values as the degree of pigmentation showed a significant reduction week by week post 8-HsPLCB treatment and then substantially reduced by 4 weeks. The degree of depigmentation after 4 weeks of topical application with 8-HsPLCB was 32.2% as compared with before treatment (0 week). Moreover, using Fontana-Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining, 8-HsPLCB reduced melanin pigmentation in the basal layer of the epidermis and epidermal thickness changes exposed to the UV-B irradiation as compared with non-treatment and vehicle treatment. The intensity of the skin-lightening effect of 8-HsPLCB was similar to arbutin. These results suggest that the skin-lightening effect of 8-HsPLCB might be resulted from inhibition of melanin synthesis by tyrosinase in melanocytes. To conclude, 8-HsPLCB treatment showed reduction of the melanin pigment and histological changes induced by UV irradiation in brown guinea pigs.

The Development of Analytical Method for the Determination of Azelaic Acid Content in Cosmetic Cream Products

Azelaic acid is one of the substances that has anti-acne and skin lightening effects which is often added to cosmetics. In the acne treatment, the azelaic acid is generally used with a concentration of 20% in cream formulation and 15% in gel. The use at concentrations below 10% is not recommended because it does not work effectively. While the use of above 10% is categorized as a medical treatment. In Indonesia, the Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has issued Regulation No. 18 of 2015 on the Technical Requirements of Cosmetics Ingredients Annex V stating that the azelaic acid is banned in cosmetics. However, until this research began the BPOM has not had a valid method to identify it in cosmetics. Consequently, surveillance of such ingredient in products is hard to do. In this research, the fatty acid standard analysis method of AOAC International was modified and validated to be used in the laboratory. The method of analysis involves heating the cream preparations dissolved with methanol and then added BF3-methanol catalyst, followed by extraction and analysis using GCMS. The validation of method shows that the calibration curve is linear with correlative value of 0.9997. The method is fairly sensitive with 0.02% detection limit, and fairly precision with relative standard deviation (RSD) of between 0.626-0.961% and fairly accurate which the recovery percentage is 99.85% at range 98.27-100.72%. In sum the results demonstrate that the method can be used as a routine analysis method for laboratory testing.

Complete digestion of edible bird's nest releases free N-acetylneuraminic acid and small peptides: an efficient method to improve functional properties.

Edible bird's nest (EBN), an Asian health food, contains insoluble proteins and conjugated N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) that are difficult to be absorbed by humans. In order to increase the nutritional value of EBN, we developed methods to digest EBN targeting the release of proteins and NANA. By using simulated gastric fluid under acidic conditions, the complex proteins were fully digested into smaller peptides, and in parallel, NANA was fully released from the conjugated form. The completely digested EBN showed better nutraceutical properties. In a skin whitening test, the EBN digest showed stronger inhibition of melanogenesis of cultured B16 cells and enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as compared to that of undigested EBN. In addition, the EBN digest exhibited stronger osteogenic activity in cultured osteoblasts. Thus, the complete digestion of EBN could be applied to the development of a new generation of EBN health food products, including EBN drinks and skincare products.

The influences of Phaseolus radiatus L.'s Ethanol Extracts and Fractions on Skin Whitening and Anti-inflammatory Effects

The influences of Phaseolus radiatus L.'s Ethanol Extracts and Fractions on Skin Whitening and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Comparison of 10%, 20% and 40% Licorice Extract Cream as Skin Lightening Agent

Introduction Ultraviolet (UV) light that penetrates the skin is absorbed by melanin to protect skin cells from the detrimental effects of UV exposure. However, in certain circumstances, abnormal pigmentation can be a serious aesthetic problem. Liquorice extract as a natural source has been proven invitro to stimulate and suppress melanogenesis. Objective Assess the skin lightening effect of Licorice extract cream in various concentrations. Subject and Method Women aged 30-50 years who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study conducted in the Department of Dermatovenerology Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University from May - July 2018. Each subject received 3 concentrations of Licorice cream (10%, 20% and 40%) to be applied on the upper and lower arms twice a day according to the patron for 4 weeks. The pigmentation spot was measured using the A-One Tab Skin and Hair Diagnostic System on day 0, 14 and 28. Results There were in total 12 subjects aged 30-50 years. After 4 weeks, the three groups of concentration improved skin brightness by decreasing the spot pigmentation. The best skin brightness levels was obtained by 10%, 40% and 20% concentration, respectively. Conclusion Licorice extract cream with 10% concentration is more effective in lightening the skin than the concentration of 20% and 40%.