Inhibitory Effects on L-Dopa Oxidation of Tyrosinase by Skin-whitening Agents

摘要

Tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) is a copper-containing mono-oxygenase catalyzing the o-hydroxylation of monophenols to the corresponding catechols (monophenolase or cresolase activity),and the oxidation of monophenols to the corresponding o-quinones (diphenolase or catecholase activity).These functions of tyrosinase play an important role in the formation of melanin pigments during melanogenesis.Melanin production is principally responsible for skin color and plays an important role in prevention of sun-induced skin injury.However,abnormal accumulation of melanin products is responsible for hyperpigmentations including melasma,freckles,and senile lentigines,which could be a serious aesthetic problem.