Inhibition of tyrosinase by protocatechuic aldehyde.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibitory action of protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA) on tyrosinase activity. PCA is one of the compounds found in the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Our study documented that PCA has a potent inhibitory effect on tyrosinase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of melanin biosynthesis. Although melanin biosynthesis has an essential function normally in human skin for defense against ultraviolet light of the sun, its abnormal activity as seen in pigmentation disorder could lead to serious medical problems. Our data showed that PCA, with concentrations ranging from 1 x 10(-5) M to 8 x 10(-5) M, exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of the enzyme activity with 50% of inhibition at 19.92 x 10(-6) M. A further kinetic analysis on PCA inactivation of tyrosinase activity revealed a competitive inhibition of the enzyme at the L-tyrosine binding site. The findings of our present study merit further research on the applicability of PCA as a potential agent for treatment of pigmentation disorder.

• Authors: Jae Kyung No, Min Sun Kim, You Jung Kim, Song Ja Bae, Jae Sue Choi, Hae Young Chung
• Journal: The American journal of Chinese medicine (Am J Chin Med) Vol. 32 Issue 1 Pg. 97-103 ( 2004) ISSN: 0192-415X [Print] Singapore
• PMID: 15154289 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Benzaldehydes
• Catechols
• Enzyme Inhibitors
• Plant Extracts
• protocatechualdehyde
• Monophenol Monooxygenase

Topics

• Benzaldehydes (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Catechols (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Enzyme Inhibitors (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Monophenol Monooxygenase (antagonists & inhibitors, drug effects, metabolism)
• Phytotherapy
• Plant Extracts (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Plant Roots
• Salvia miltiorrhiza