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Current Findings on Allium Species with Melanogenesis Inhibitory Activity.
Mariangela Marrelli1,2, Maria Pia Argentieri3, Vincenzo Musolino2
1Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 13, 2025
Summary
Certain Allium species show potential for inhibiting melanogenesis, offering a new avenue for skin-whitening agents. This review explores their tyrosinase inhibitory properties and anti-melanogenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Botany and Pharmacognosy
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Dermatology and Cosmetology
Background:
- The *Allium* genus, including garlic and onion, has a long history of use as food and medicine.
- Known for sulfur compounds, *Allium* species possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties.
- Emerging research focuses on their potential role in inhibiting melanogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the anti-melanogenic properties of *Allium* species.
- To evaluate their tyrosinase inhibitory activity and effects on melanin biosynthesis.
- To highlight *Allium* species as potential candidates for skin-whitening agents.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted on Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed.
- Keywords included "*Allium*", "tyrosinase", "anti-melanogenic", and "melanogenesis".
- Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria, utilizing mushroom tyrosinase and B16 melanoma cell line models.
Main Results:
- 32 eligible papers were selected for review.
- Several *Allium* species demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on melanogenesis.
- Tyrosinase inhibition was a key mechanism identified for anti-melanogenic activity.
Conclusions:
- *Allium* species exhibit promising anti-melanogenic potential, particularly through tyrosinase inhibition.
- This review identifies specific *Allium* species with demonstrated effects on melanin biosynthesis.
- Further research into isolated compounds and therapeutic applications is warranted.
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