Anti-melanogenesis and supportive anti-aging potential of L-(+)-Lactic acid from bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)...

Across multiple aspects, bamboo is intricately associated with human civilization and is well known for its numerous uses. The shoots of bamboo are consumed all over the world, and for its taste, fragrance, and nutritional value, it has been treated as a delicacy. Phyllostachys pubescens is a major bamboo species in Japan. Although bamboo shoots have been studied for various biological activities, research evaluating their skin whitening and anti-aging properties is limited. This study evaluated bamboo shoots for anti-melanogenesis properties. Using a bio-guided isolation approach, one active compound was identified: L-(+)-Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-HPA). The structure of the isolated compound has been elucidated using 1D-Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as well as mass spectrometry (MS) analysis and comparison with previously published literatures. 2-HPA exhibited dose-dependent downregulation in melanin production and tyrosinase inhibition. Comparative data of the stereoisomers showed, chirality influences anti-melanogenesis activity, while the L stereoisomer showed superior activity. 2-HPA could also downregulate the expression of the tyrosinase gene dose dependently. 2-HPA has showed anti-aging potential via upregulation of the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF-Ad) cells and modest downregulation of elastase activity. 2-HPA was found to provide supportive protection of fibroblast cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. These preliminary data suggest bamboo shoot to be a potent tyrosinase inhibtor to downregulate the melanin production, therefore to be utilized in the cosmeceutical and other health related industries.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-026-00907-x.