Evaluation of Pomegranate Seed Extract as a Tyrosinase Inhibitor for Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Background

Melanin is a natural pigment found in various parts of the human body, which gives our skin, hair and eyes their color and protects the skin from ultraviolet light. Hyperpigmentation refers to a common skin condition in which the appearance of darker patches of skin compared to surrounding areas is observed. Tyrosinase inhibitors are able to control the overactivity of tyrosinase. These compounds inhibit the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme and help fade dark spots, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Pomegranates are found to be effective in treating hyperpigmentation as they are rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols such as ellagic acid and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help protect skin from free radical damage, such as Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause hyperpigmentation.

Objectives

This study aims at the phytochemical identification of bioactive compounds from Punicagranatum seed extract interacting with tyrosinase.

Materials and Methods

Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for phytochemical identification, formulation of cream and in silico tyrosinase inhibition screening for hyperpigmentation were performed.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed 70 bioactive phytochemicals and based on drug-like properties, ascorbic acid, beta-sitosterol, ellagic acid and gallic acid were docked with tyrosinase. The residues of the substrate and active binding pocket were identified for grid box optimization and docking. In vitro studies were performed on these compounds and proved their inhibitive effects on the tyrosinase enzyme and in curing hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion

Hence, the formulated cream with Punicagranatum seed extract tends to prove its potential application in hyperpigmentation.