Skin Whitening Effects Research Articles

The Assessment of the Skin-Whitening and Anti-Wrinkling Effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge Root Extracts and the Identification of Nyasol in a Developed Cream Product

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (A. asphodeloides Bunge) root extract contains nyasol as its main ingredient. Nyasol was extracted and prepared as a cosmetic raw material in 95% ethanol. To identify nyasol as a marker compound qualitative analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatographyi coupled with electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. Below a nyasol content of 12 μg/mL, the root extract exhibited negligible cytotoxicity. In this concentration range, melanin production in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells decreased as the concentration of nyasol increased, indicating a skin-whitening effect. In addition, an antiwrinkling effect was confirmed by evaluating the inhibition of MMP-1 protein expression in TNF-α-treated HaCaT cells by either A. asphodeloides Bunge root extract (>0.31 μg/mL) or nyasol (>0.25 μg/mL). High-performance liquid chromatography-coupled with a photodiode detector array was used to show that our extract contained 5.06 ± 0.01% nyasol. Furthermore, when this analysis method was applied for the quality control of a cream product containing 2 wt.% of A. asphodeloides Bunge root extract, the measured content of nyasol (0.1%) was over 90% of the nominal quantity. Therefore, the product was deemed to be within the required quality standards.

Enzyme-treated caviar extract ameliorates melanogenesis in UVB-induced SKH-1 hairless mice

This study investigated anti-melanogenesis effects of enzyme-treated caviar extract (CV) in murine melanoma B16F10 cells and SKH-1 hairless mice. To induce melanin production in vitro and in vivo studies, B16F10 cells were treated with 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and SKH-1 hairless mice were irradiated with UVB, respectively. The expression of melnogenesis-related factors and signaling molecules were analyzed by ELISA and western blotting. 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL of CV significantly decreased the melanin contents and the activities of tyrosinase, nitric oxide, glutathione, and cAMP, melanogenesis factor, in B16F10 cells treated IBMX. In addition, CV significantly suppressed the expression of melanogenesis proteins such as pPKA, pCREB, MITF, TRP-1and TRP-2. Similarly, results of oral administration of CV (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg) for 8 weeks in UVB-Induced SKH-1 hairless mice, the expression of melanogenesis-related factor tyrosinase, nitric oxide, and cAMP and protein expression of pPKA, pCREBa, MITF, TRP-1and TRP-2 was significantly reduced. In particular, 100 mg/kg of CV exhibited an excellent effect similar to control group. Therefore, we suggest the possibility of developing CV as a food supplement having skin whitening effects by ameliorating melanogenesis.

Cream formulation improved skin-lightening effect of ginsenoside Rh1, Rg2, and Hydrangea macrophylla flower extract

Cream formulation improved skin-lightening effect of ginsenoside Rh1, Rg2, and Hydrangea macrophylla flower extract

Novelty Cosmetic Filters Based on Nanomaterials Composed of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles.

The following work describes the synthesis of new physical filters based on TiO2/SiO2 and TiO2/Ag nanostructures. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were applied as control material and a popular physical UV filter. The advantage of using materials on the nanometer scale is the elimination of the skin whitening effect that occurs when using photoprotective cosmetics containing titanium dioxide on a macro scale. In addition, the silica coating makes the material less harmful, and the silver coating enriches the material with antibacterial properties. Nanoparticles and nanostructures have been characterized by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods. Due to the use of physical filters in anti-radiation protection cosmetics, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion has been prepared. All cosmetic formulations have been tested for stability. The sun protection research with the Sun Protection Diagnostic SP37 was carried out. These studies made it possible to determine the natural sun protection time and to compare the synthesized materials. Furthermore, one of the most important parameters when describing this type of cosmetic is water resistance, which has also been measured. The results show that the new type of material of TiO2/Ag used as a new physical filter in emulsion W/O shows the best sun protection compared with other obtained nanomaterials. It is most likely due to the improved optical properties of the combination of noble metals, for example, silver with TiO2.

Fabrication of polyvinyl pyrrolidone-K90/Eudragit RL100-based dissolving microneedle patches loaded with alpha-arbutin and resveratrol for skin depigmentation.

Alpha-arbutin (AA) and resveratrol (Res) are widely used in skin-lightening products. However, current topical formulations have minimal skin-lightening effects due to the low absorption and poor solubility of these active compounds. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of using dissolving microneedle (DMN) patches to improve the delivery of AA and Res for skin depigmentation. The DMN patches (F0-F3) fabricated from polyvinyl pyrrolidone-K90 (PVP-K90)/Eudragit RL100 blends successfully penetrated excised porcine skin and showed sufficient mechanical strength to resist compression forces. Loading DMNs with 10% AA and 2% Res at a ratio of 5 : 1 (F3) resulted in a synergistic interaction between the drugs with desirable dissolving ability, drug loading, and stability. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the use of F3 DMN patches successfully enhanced the intradermal delivery of AA and Res over a 24 h period, with the delivered amount being higher (∼2.6 times) than that provided by a cream formulation (P < 0.05). After removing the DMN patches, the mice's skin was spontaneously and completely resealed within 12 h. In clinical studies, F3 DMN patches slightly decreased the melanin index of the participants without causing skin irritation or erythema at any time during the 24 h period when the patches were applied (P < 0.05). Moreover, application of the patches for 24 h was not found to affect skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, or skin elasticity. Therefore, AA/Res-loaded DMN patches could offer a promising approach for the effective local delivery of cosmetic agents for skin depigmentation.

백작두콩 추출물의 미백 및 주름개선 효능평가

In this study, in order to investigate the skin-whitening and anti-wrinkle effects of white sword bean extract, hydrothermal extract was performed with ethanol content of 20%, 50%, and 80%. In order to confirm the skin-whitening effect, a tyrosinase inhibitory activity experiment was conducted, and to confirm the wrinkle improvement effect, a collagenase inhibitory activity experiment was performed. As a result of the tyrosinase inhibitory activity assay, it was shown that the inhibition (%) was increased in a concentration-dependent manner according to the ethanol content, and in particular, the 80% ethanol extract showed high tyrosinase inhibitory activity similar to the control, kojic acid. As a result of the collagenase inhibitory activity assay, all extracts showed a higher inhibition (%) than the control, ascorbic acid. Through the results of this study, demonstrated the skin-whitening and anti-wrinkle effects of white sword bean were confirmed, and it is expected to be utilized as a natural functional ingredient in various fields of cosmetics.

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.

Skin Brightening Efficacy of Grammatophyllum speciosum: A Prospective, Split-Face, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine throughout Asia. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical skin-whitening effect and in vitro evaluation of the underlying mechanism of G. speciosum pseudobulb ethanolic extract (GSE). The study examined the inhibitory effects of GSE on B16F10 tyrosinase activity, melanin content, and mushroom tyrosinase. The GSE was developed into a hydrogel formulation and evaluated for its stability. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of hydrogel containing GSE was conducted on healthy volunteers to examine the skin irritation and skin-whitening effect using Maxameter® MX 18 and Visioface® RD. GSE significantly inhibited the formation of melanin in B16F10 cells without affecting the tyrosinase enzyme and mushroom tyrosinase. After 6 months, the hydrogel containing a 0.5% (w/w) GSE formulation showed good physicochemical stability. There was no skin irritation caused by GSE hydrogel in participants. GSE hydrogel significantly increased melanin reduction activity by 8.285% after 56 days of treatment, whereas the hydrogel base was −0.949%. The results revealed that G. speciosum decreased melanogenesis in B16F10 cells and increased melanin-reduction activity in our clinical study. Hence, G. speciosum could be used in skincare products as a form of dermatological-whitening agent.

SNA077, an Extract of Marine Streptomyces sp., Inhibits Melanogenesis by Downregulating Melanogenic Proteins via Inactivation of cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling

Excess melanin in skin is known to be the main cause of hyper-pigmentary skin diseases such as freckles and lentigo. This study aimed to evaluate the depigmenting efficacy of an extract from the marine microorganism strain, Streptomyces sp. SNA077. To determine the anti-melanogenic efficacy of SNA077, we assessed the melanin contents of SNA077-treated B16, Melan-a, and MNT-1 cells. We observed the expression of key enzymes in melanogenesis via qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. We further estimated the skin-whitening effect of SNA077 using a skin-equivalent model. SNA077 dramatically decreased the melanin production of B16 cells, Melan-a, and MNT-1 cells. In B16 cells treated with SNA077, the activity of cellular tyrosinase was clearly inhibited. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of melanogenic genes were suppressed by SNA077 treatment in B16 and MNT-1 cells. Upstream of tyrosinase, the expression levels of phospho-CREB, phospho-p38, PKA activity, cyclic AMP production, and MC1R gene expression were inhibited by SNA077. Finally, SNA077 clearly showed a skin-brightening effect with a reduced melanin content in the skin tissue model. Collectively, our results suggest for the first time that an extract of marine Streptomyces sp. SNA077 could be a novel anti-melanogenic material for skin whitening.

A Study on the Whitening and Anti-Wrinkle Effects of Red Sword Bean Extract in Functional Cosmetics for Skin Care

In this study, to analyze and determine the bioactive compounds of red sword bean as natural ingredients for functional cosmetics, hot water extraction was performed with ethanol contents of 20%, 50%, and 80%. In addition, for the respective extracts, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for the determination of bioactive compounds and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for the determination of polyphenol and flavonoid contents were performed along with the determination of antioxidant capacity. Moreover, experiments were performed to test the skin whitening and anti-wrinkle effects; a cytotoxicity evaluation was also conducted. As a result of the colorimetric assay, the lightness (L) value decreased with increasing ethanol content, whereas the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values tended to increase. This is presumed to be because the active compounds of the double bond structure increased as the ethanol content increased. As a result of GC-MS analysis to determine chemical composition, the detection of ethyl gallate, an antioxidant, and mandelic acid, an active compound with whitening and wrinkle improvement effects, was confirmed; the detected concentrations increased with increasing ethanol content. In the experiment to examine the antioxidant effect of red sword bean extract, the IC50 value of the 80% ethanol extract showed a high antioxidant capacity comparable to that of the control, ascorbic acid. As a result of the tyrosinase inhibitory activity assay, the highest inhibition (%) was confirmed at 80% ethanol content. Furthermore, in the collagenase inhibitory activity assay, all extracts showed high collagenase inhibitory activity of over 90%. Specifically, at 20% ethanol content, a higher inhibition (%) was confirmed than that of the control, ascorbic acid.

Preclinical studies on melanogenesis proteins using a resveratrol-nanoformula as a skin whitener

A naturally occurring polyphenol called trans-resveratrol has received a lot of attention due to its possible health advantages for humans. The low solubility of trans-resveratrol and its isomerization upon UV exposure strongly limit its application as a skin-whitening agent. In the present study, to increase trans-resveratrol solubility, a new nanoformula was created by combining hydrophilic surfactants and oils. Trans-Resveratrol nanoformula has been prepared, characterized, and applied as a skin-whitening agent on the dorsal skin of Guinea pigs. The optimized trans-resveratrol nanoformula with a particle size of 63.49 nm displayed a single peak and a polydispersity index [0.36 ± 0.02]. In addition, the zeta potential of the optimized formula was −30.4 mV, confirming the high stability of this nanoformula. The melanin contents in the trans-resveratrol nanoformula-treated group were substantially lower than those of the control and the blank nanoformula-treated groups after staining of the dorsal skins [black areas] of guinea pigs with Fontana Mountain dye. The pigmentation index in the control, blank nanoformula, and optimized trans-resveratrol nanoformula were 329.4 ± 36.9, 335.8 ± 71.4, and 124.8 ± 19.6 respectively. Confirming this finding, immunohistochemistry analysis of skin tissues revealed that the expressions of melanogenesis-regulating proteins such as tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were down-regulated. The safety of topical application of trans-resveratrol nanoformula was validated by no changes in free radical levels and oxidative stress markers proteins in the livers and kidneys of guinea pigs at the end of the experiment. Conclusions: A novel trans-resveratrol nanoformula as well as the mechanism whereby it promotes skin whitening effects were presented. Furthermore, the study illustrated that trans-resveratrol nanoformula is safe, non-toxic, and can be applied for skin whitening, although more research on human skin is needed.

Enhancement of Melanogenic Inhibitory Effects of the Leaf Skin Extracts of Aloe barbadensis Miller by the Fermentation Process

This work first showed that the skin-lightening effects of the leaf skin extracts of Aloe vera were significantly increased by the fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum BN41. The fermented extract (BF) showed much higher antioxidant activities of DPPH scavenging effects and the reduction in intracellular ROS production than the water extract (BW), and even higher than Trolox as a positive control. High efficacy of the BF results was shown from the synergistic effects of higher elution of aloesin (2.96 ± 0.09 mg/g vs. 2.03 ± 0.02 mg/g in BF and BW, respectively) and bioactive substances from the fermentation processes. The inhibition of tyrosinase activities and melanin synthesis at 0.3% (w/v) optimal dosage of BF was much better than those of arbutin and aloesin, which are commercial skin-lightening ingredients. It was also first proved that BF effectively down-regulated all microphthalmia-associated transcription factors (MITF), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TYRP-1) and TYRP-2, and tyrosinase (TYR) gene expression (p &lt; 0.05), proposing melanogenesis inhibitory mechanism in the MITF/TYRP-1/TYRP-2/TYR pathway. However, aloesin and arbutin selectively suppressed the expression of TRYP-1, TRYP-2 or TYR. It was clearly demonstrated that the fermentation process reduces inherent cytotoxicity of aloe, showing much less cell cytotoxicity than BW. Conclusively, 0.3% (w/v) of the BF can be utilized as a competitive and sustainable natural skin-lightening ingredient.

Development of nanoformulation for hyperpigmentation disorders: Experimental evaluations, in vitro efficacy and in silico molecular docking studies

Hyperpigmentation is a crucial dermatological disorder. This study aims to formulate a nanoemulsion formulation containing chlorogenic acid (CA) for hyperpigmentation treatment, to carry out characterization studies, and to investigate its efficacy and safety in vitro and in silico analysis.In line with this purpose, CA nanoemulsions (CA-NEs) were developed using the ultrasonic homogenization method. Accelerated stability tests were performed to examine the kinetic and thermodynamic stability of the CA-NEs to ascertain the presence of any stability issues. After the heating–cooling test, appropriate CA-NEs were stored for 60 days in three different stability environments to examine the physicochemical stability and determine the finalized formulation. The toxicity of the finalized CA-NE formulation was evaluated by genotoxicity/mutagenicity and cytotoxicity tests. The tyrosinase and melanogenesis activities of the finalized CA-NE formulation were determined on the Melanoma B16F0 cell line. Finally, the molecular docking method was used to reveal interactions of CA that play an essential role in tyrosinase inhibition. Additionally, the mushroom and human tyrosinase enzymes were used to determine the activity of CA. In addition, the comparison study with the molecular docking method was carried out using kojic acid as a reference molecule.In conclusion, the molecular docking study, pharmacokinetic analyses, and in vitro studies showed that F4P1 coded CA-NE formulation might hold promise as an innovative formulation in cosmetic applications such as skin-lightening effects with its high efficacy and safety profile.

Whitening effect of kojic acid dipalmitate loaded nanosized ethosomal gel for the treatment of hyperpigmentation: In vitro and in vivo characterization.

In recent years, the demands of depigmenting agents in cosmetics have been increased to treat skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and melasma. Tyrosinase is a major enzyme involve in hyperpigmentation. Kojic acid dipalimate (KAD) is an ester derivative of kojic acid and exhibit excellent tyrosinase inhibiting activity on human skin. To develop and characterize a novel topical delivery system for KAD by using ethosomes and their in vitro, in vivo characterization for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Different KAD loaded ethosomal suspensions were prepared using soy phosphatidylcholine, ethanol, propylene glycol, and water with cold method. These formulations were evaluated for size, zeta potential, Polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, FTIR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Afterward, the stability of optimized gel was checked and the in vivo studies were carried out in order to evaluate the skin benefits. The optimized formulation has zeta potential, size, and entrapment efficiency of -23.4mV, 148 nm, and 90.0008%, respectively. SEM results showed vesicles were spherical in shape. Ethosomal gel had a good stability at lower temperature (8, 25°C). In addition, ethosomal gel gives significant decrease in skin melanin, erythema, and sebum level while it causes improvement in skin hydration level and elasticity during non-invasive in vivo studies. The overall findings indicated that the prepared KAD loaded ethosomal formulation was stable and provides deep penetration of KAD into the skin. It offers a promising therapeutic approach for use in skin hyperpigmentation as it has skin whitening and moisturizing effects.

Rapid determination of 22 functional components in cosmetics using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap/orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry

建立了超高效液相色谱-线性离子阱/静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱法同时测定化妆品中的22种功效成分。样品采用甲醇超声提取,C18色谱柱(100 mm×2. 1 mm, 1. 8 μm)分离,以0.1%(v/v)甲酸水溶液和乙腈为流动相进行梯度洗脱。在正离子模式下,以保留时间和一级母离子精确质量数进行定量分析,以高能碰撞诱导解离获得的二级碎片离子精确质量数进行确证。结果表明,该方法线性关系良好,检出限(LOD)为0.003~2.01 mg/kg;定量限(LOQ)为0.02~4.36 mg/kg;水、乳、霜3种基质中3个添加水平的回收率范围为63.2%~125.1%,相对标准偏差为0.18%~10.9%。对标示含有烟酰胺、抗坏血酸葡糖苷、咖啡因、泛醇及甘草类(光果甘草根茎叶、甘草根、胀果甘草根)、麦冬根、人参根、黄芪根、虎杖根、苦参根、地黄根、积雪草、茶叶提取物的54批样品进行检测,标示单体功效成分的样品均有检出,标示不同植物提取物的46批样品中,24批检出植物提取物的功效成分。该方法简便快速、定性定量可靠,适用于化妆品中22种功效成分的定量测定。

Enhancement of TRP Gene Expression and UV Absorption by Bioconverted Chestnut Inner Shell Extracts Using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

In this work, the suppression of tyrosinase-related genes, including an improvement in UV absorption effects of bioconverted CS extracts (BCS), was investigated to improve the skin-whitening effect. Total polyphenols and total flavonoids, which are bioactive components, increased 2.6- and 5.4-times in bioconversion using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SM4, respectively, as compared to ultrasound-assisted extracts (UCS). The effect of BCS on radical scavenging activity, UV-A absorption, and tyrosinase activity inhibition, contributing to skin-whitening, were 1.3-, 1.2-, and 1.2-times higher than those of UCS, respectively. The main component identified in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was gallic acid in both UCS and BCS, which increased by 2.9-times following bioconversion. The gene expression of tyrosinase-related proteins, including TRP-1 and TRP-2 genes, was studied to confirm the suppression of melanin synthesis by BCS in order to identify the skin-whitening mechanism, and BCS decreased both genes’ expression by 1.7- and 1.6-times, demonstrating that BCS effectively suppressed melanin synthesis. These findings imply that the chestnut inner shell can be employed as a cosmetic material by simultaneously inhibiting melanogenesis and enhancing UV-A absorption through bioconversion using L. plantarum SM4.

Evaluation of Facial Skin Condition Based on RBX Image Technology

The skin color of the human face is mainly determined by the content of hemoglobin (in red) and melanin (in brown). RBX image technology transforms full-color images into RBX color space, in which the "Red" component is associated with hemoglobin, and the "Brown" component is associated with melanin. This article presents a skin condition evaluation system based on RBX image technology, which is practically applied to the identification of the severity of rosacea patients, as well as the whiteness of the skin of the patient receiving pulse laser toning. In the research of rosacea grading, we analyze the "Red" component image and establish the R-G index to grade the severity of rosacea. It was found that the value of the R-G index increased with the severity of rosacea. ANOVA test results show significant differences among the four severity groups. In the research on the effect of facial skin toning by pulsed laser, we analyzed the "Brown" component image and established five brightness levels as indicators to evaluate the skin whitening effect. The result shows that the ups and downs of these brightness levels reflect changes in skin tone. These indicators provide a new way for quantification of skin conditions.

Skin Whitening Efficacy of Mixed Extracts of Crassostrea gigas, Trichosanthes cucumeroides, Angelica dahurica and Asarum sieboldii

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cosmetic functionality of mixed extracts of Crassostrea gigas, Trichosanthes cucumeroides, Angelica dahurica and Asarum sieboldii (CTAA), which are effective in skin whitening.Methods: In this study, to evaluate the cosmetic functionality of the mixed extract, 2,2’-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity evaluation, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity evaluation, tyrosinase inhibitory activity evaluation, melanin production evaluation, cell toxicity evaluation was performed.Results: As a result of ABTS and DPPH radical analysis, CTAA-4 was 60.7% and 59.1% at 500 μg/mL, respectively, showing the best antioxidant activity. As a result of the SOD-like activity analysis, CTAA-4 was confirmed to be 32.3±3.7% at the concentration of 500μg/mL, and in the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity result, CTAA-4 was 29.6±3.6% at the concentration of 500 μg/mL. In the tyrosinase activity analysis result, CTAA-4 had the lowest tyrosinase activity at 59.7% at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. Melanin production was also found to be 44.6% of CTAA-4 compared to the control at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. As a result of cytotoxicity, all test substances had no cytotoxicity at a concentration of 100 to 500μg/mL as cell viability was confirmed to be more than 95%.Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was confirmed that the mixed extract developed in this study has excellent inhibitory activity of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and has excellent skin whitening effect by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and melanin production.

The proteomics of the freshwater pearl powder: Insights from biomineralization to biomedical application

The freshwater pearl is one kind of valuable organic jewelry and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the molecular basis of matrix protein in pearl biomineralization and biomedical applications are largely unknown to date. In this study, the matrix proteins of water-soluble matrix, acid-soluble matrix and acid-insoluble matrix from the freshwater seedless pearl powder were detected using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) respectively, and identified against the transcriptomic database of the pearl sac. The results showed that a total of 190 proteins were identified in pearl proteomics, which was divided into eight categories by their potential biomineralization functions. The composition of pearl matrix proteins and the high frequency conserved domains like carbonic anhydrase, von Willebrand factor type A, tyrosinase and chitin binding 2 in protein sequences, implying that the “chitin-silk fibroin gel proteins–acidic macromolecules” model was suitable for description the pearl biomineralization process. Meanwhile, ninety-one of pearl matrix proteins could be classified into seven categories by their potential medical functions including wound healing, osteogenic property, antioxidant activity, neuro-regulation effects, skin lightening effect, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and other immunomodulatory property. In general, these results provided valuable new insights into not only the diversity of pearl matrix protein for mollusc biomineralization, but the molecular basis of pearl matrix proteins responsible for their diverse biological properties in TCM application. SignificanceThe significance of this study included the following points:1.A total of 190 proteins were identified in the freshwater pearl powder, providing valuable new insights into the complexity and diversity of pearl matrix protein in biomineralization.2.Pearl matrix proteins was divided into seven categories by their potential medical functions. This study, for the first time, attempted to unravel the molecular basis responsible for diverse biological properties of pearl powder in TCM application. We believe that this work will provide key basement and open a window for investigating the biological properties of matrix proteins and further illuminating the functional mechanism of pearl powder as TCM.

Effect of extraction solvents on antioxidant and skin-whitening potentials of defatted Camellia seed cakes

Defatted Camellia japonica L. seed cake is an important byproduct during the manufacture of Camellia seed oil. The present study evaluated the influence of two extraction solvents on the total contents of phenol and flavonoid, antioxidant activity and skin-whitening effect capable of inhibiting the biosynthesis of melanin of defatted Camellia seed cakes, a byproduct from Camellia oil production. The antioxidant capacities of 100% methanol and 70% ethanol extracts were analysed using radical scavenging (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, O2-, H2O2 and NOž), SOD-like, ferrous ion chelating and reducing power assays. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were further determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Moreover, intracellular antityrosinase activity and melanin contents were evaluated in human malignant melanoma cells (SK mel-100). Ethanol extracts of defatted Camellia seed cake extracts exhibited higher phenolic (4097 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g) and flavonoid (2899 mg rutin equivalents/100 g) contents with higher superoxide (IC50 = 1.9 mg/mL), nitric oxide (IC50 =1.6 mg/mL) radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating (IC50 = 2.9 mg/mL) and reducing power (IC50 = 1.8 mg/mL) activities than those of methanol. These ethanol extracts also evidenced more effective inhibitory activities of tyrosinase and melanin synthesis than methanol extracts. Therefore, the present results demonstrated that defatted Camellia seed cakes could be a valuable source of antioxidative and whitening ingredients, and ethanol was more efficient in extracting antioxidants and bioactive compounds than methanol.