A Review of Curcuminoid Derivatives as Next-Generation Depigmenting Agents: Structure-activity Relationships and...

Hyperpigmentation is a persistent challenge, and current depigmenting agents, such as kojic acid, arbutin, and resveratrol, often exhibit limited efficacy and raise safety concerns. Curcuminoids, a class of natural polyphenolic compounds, have emerged as promising scaffolds due to their potent anti-tyrosinase activity and broad inhibitory effects on melanogenesis. This review summarises advances in curcuminoid derivatives and structurally related analogues, including diarylheptanoids, diarylpentanoids, and chalconoids. Key features of the structure-activity relationship (SAR), such as conjugated ketone linkers and para-hydroxyl substitutions, enhance tyrosinase inhibition and modulate melanogenic signalling pathways. Collectively, these insights emphasise the potential of curcuminoid-based scaffolds as safer and more effective next-generation depigmenting agents.