Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanin formation. Its inhibition is a crucial step for hyperpigmentation reduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two plant flavonoids: ellagic acid and glabradin, on tyrosinase inhibition as well as their whitenning properties in vivo. For this reason the IC50 for ellagic acid, glabradin and their mixture in tyrosinase inhibition reaction was estimated. Kojic acid served as a reference sample. In addition to this the in vivo efficacy of an emulsion with ellagic acid and glabradin on 14 patients with hyperpigmentation was performed. It was occured that ellagic acid is not a typical tyrosinase inhibitor, however the mixture containing glabradin and ellagic acid displayed greater tyrosinase inhibition than glabradin alone. Moreover the complex showed much higher inhibitory activity than kojic acid. Mexameter measurnments showed reduction of melanin by 15% after 4 weeks of emulsion usage. Also patients estimated that the emulsion evened the skin tone and reducing skin hyperpigmentation visibility by 24% (in 5-point analogue scale). Both tested compounds are well known from their whitening properties. Although ellagic acid is not a typical tyrosinase inhibitor, but rather an alternative substrate according to literature. Nevertheless it’s boosting inhibitory activity of glabradin. In conclusion, for the first time the synergy of glabradin and ellagic acid in tyrosinase inhibition was demonstrated. Also emulsion containing both flavonoids exhibited efficient whitening properties.

ESDR542 - Synergic complex of two plant flavonoids as a novel tyrosinase inhibitor

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