A comprehensive review on tyrosinase inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Tyrosinase is a crucial multi-copper enzyme involved in melanogenesis and enzymatic browning.
• Inhibitors of tyrosinase have significant applications in cosmetics, medicine, food, and agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of tyrosinase inhibitors.
• To cover inhibitors discovered from all sources and biochemically characterized over the last four decades.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications.
• Focus on biochemical characterization of inhibitors.
• Analysis of inhibitors discovered in the last 40 years.

Main Results:

• Numerous natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors have been identified.
• These inhibitors demonstrate potential as depigmentation agents and antibrowning compounds.
• A wide array of screening methods have been employed for inhibitor discovery.

Conclusions:

• Tyrosinase inhibitors represent a valuable class of compounds with diverse industrial applications.
• Continued research into tyrosinase inhibitors is essential for developing novel cosmetic, medicinal, and food preservation strategies.