The screening and characterization of novel tyrosinase inhibitors are useful for potential applications in food technology and in cosmetic and medical treatment of human pigmentation disorders. In this study the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the lavender Lavendula spica L. and the mint Mentha x piperita L. were investigated for their potential tyrosinase inhibitory activity. To gain insights into the potential active compounds of the oil mixtures, the essential oils composition was assessed by GC-mass-spectrometry techniques. Both extracts significantly inhibited the mushroom tyrosinase activity (i.e. oxidation of L-DOPA). Inhibition was oil dose-dependent and oil extracts concentrations inhibiting 50% tyrosinase activity (IC50) were determined. The inhibition kinetics analysed by Lineweaver-Burk plots, showed a non-competitive and mixed type inhibition for lavender and mint oils, respectively. Ki values were determined. Our results indicate that lavender and mint essential oils have high potentials in applications as skin-whitening agents of natural source. Therefore, they may be promising herbal ingredients for the development of depigmenting agents in clinical, beauty and industrial prospects.
Mushroom tyrosinase inhibition by essential oils from lavender and mint.
FIOCCO, DANIELA;FRABBONI, LAURA;
2010-01-01
Abstract
The screening and characterization of novel tyrosinase inhibitors are useful for potential applications in food technology and in cosmetic and medical treatment of human pigmentation disorders. In this study the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the lavender Lavendula spica L. and the mint Mentha x piperita L. were investigated for their potential tyrosinase inhibitory activity. To gain insights into the potential active compounds of the oil mixtures, the essential oils composition was assessed by GC-mass-spectrometry techniques. Both extracts significantly inhibited the mushroom tyrosinase activity (i.e. oxidation of L-DOPA). Inhibition was oil dose-dependent and oil extracts concentrations inhibiting 50% tyrosinase activity (IC50) were determined. The inhibition kinetics analysed by Lineweaver-Burk plots, showed a non-competitive and mixed type inhibition for lavender and mint oils, respectively. Ki values were determined. Our results indicate that lavender and mint essential oils have high potentials in applications as skin-whitening agents of natural source. Therefore, they may be promising herbal ingredients for the development of depigmenting agents in clinical, beauty and industrial prospects.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
