Ganoderic Acid A Reverses Ultraviolet B Induced Hyperpigmentation via Multi-Targeted Regulation of Mitochondrial
Jingting Wang1, Yuerong Qian1, Qingna Gong1
1School of Chemical and Material Engineering, School of Cosmetic Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Ganoderic Acid A (GAA) effectively treats hyperpigmentation by repairing mitochondria and reducing inflammation. This natural compound offers a safer alternative to conventional tyrosinase inhibitors for skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Conventional tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitors cause skin irritation and rebound pigmentation.
- Safer and more effective depigmenting agents are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Ganoderic Acid A (GAA) as a potential depigmenting agent.
- To elucidate the multi-target mechanism of GAA in treating hyperpigmentation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed biocompatibility, melanin content, and TYR activity.
- Measured reactive oxygen species (ROS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inflammatory cytokines.
- Utilized Western blot, RT-qPCR, and molecular docking to analyze molecular targets.
Main Results:
- GAA demonstrated good biocompatibility and inhibited melanin synthesis and TYR activity.
- GAA reversed UVB-induced pigmentation by restoring mitochondrial homeostasis, scavenging ROS, and replenishing ATP.
- GAA modulated inflammatory pathways (Nrf2, NF-κB) and inhibited MAPK signaling, down-regulating key melanogenic genes (MITF, TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2).
Conclusions:
- GAA effectively eliminates UVB-induced hyperpigmentation via mitochondrial repair and inflammation inhibition.
- GAA's multi-target mechanism and direct binding to tyrosinase present it as a promising natural drug candidate for skin diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
01:35Mutations
Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
01:27Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...