Whitening Agent

Retinoic acid is a metabolite of vitamin A that plays important roles in cell growth, differentiation, and organogenesis. Retinoic acid is a natural agonist of RAR nuclear receptors, with IC₅₀s of 14 nM for RARα/β/γ. Retinoic acid bind to PPARβ/δ with K_d of 17 nM. Retinoic acid acts as an inhibitor of transcription factor Nrf2 through activation of retinoic acid receptor alpha.

Astaxanthin, the red dietary carotenoid, is an orally effective and potent antioxidant. Astaxanthin inhibits NF-κB and down-regulates VEGF in blood glucose. Astaxanthin exerts anti-cancer cell proliferation, increases apoptosis, impairs migration and invasion by activating PPARγ and reducing the expression of STAT3. Astaxanthin also has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity and can be used in studies of cancer, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and in the coloring of animal feed.

Fucoidan, a biologically active polysaccharide, is an efficient inhibitor of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Anticoagulant, antitumor, antioxidant and antisteatotic activities.

Lutein (Xanthophyll) is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health. Lutein exerts its biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidase and anti-apoptosis, through effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS). Lutein is able to arrive in the brain and shows antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects. Lutein is orally active.

Fucoxanthin (all-trans-Fucoxanthin) is a marine carotenoid and shows anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.

Zeaxanthin, a diet-obtained carotenoid, presents in the macula region of the eye. Zeaxanthin shows antioxidant effects.

Mulberroside F is one of the main bioactive constituents in mulberry (Morus alba L.). Mulberroside F shows inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity and on the melanin formation. Mulberroside F also exhibits superoxide scavenging activity that is involved in the protection against auto-oxidation.

Oxyresveratrol 3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside is a phenolic compound isolated from Morus nigra root and is an effective tyrosinase inhibitor with an IC₅₀ of 1.64 μM.

β-Sitostenone is a sterols that can be isolated from Cochlospermum vitifolium.β-Sitostenone inhibits tyrosinase activity, and has anti-melanogenic and anti-tumor activities.