Antityrosinase Principles and Constituents of the Petals of Crocus sativus

Abstract

Three new monoterpenoids, crocusatin-J (1), -K (2), and -L (3), and a new naturally occurring acid, (3S),4-dihydroxybutyric acid (4), together with 31 known compounds were isolated and identified from the methanol extract of the petals of saffron (Crocus sativus). Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods. Among them, crocusatin-K (2), crocusatin-L (3), and 4-hydroxy-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-enone (8) showed significant antityrosinase activity, and protocatechuic acid (18), kaempferol (24), and kaempferol 7-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (27) were more effective in scavenging alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals than alpha-tocopherol. In addition, the mechanism of tyrosinase inhibition by crocusatin-K (2) is also discussed.

Petals of Crocus sativus L. as a potential source of the antioxidants crocin and kaempferol

“…However, we could not find reports on uses of petals in traditional medicine. Recent reports though have identified pharmacological activity in extracts of C. sativus petals [38,39,40,41,42,43,44]. The goal of our study was to extract and purify antioxidant compounds from saffron flowers, since these are often considered as 16 …”

Role of saffron and its constituents on cancer chemoprevention

“…Considerable evidence has suggested that plant-based dietary agents can inhibit the process of carcinogenesis effectively. Since ancient times, saffron was used as a folk medicine to treat different kinds of diseases including cancer (Li et al, 2004). A number of in vivo and in vitro experiments discussed above suggest that saffron and its main ingredients have great potential to reduce the risk of developing different types of cancer.…”

Anthraquinones from Polygonum cuspidatum as tyrosinase inhibitors for dermal use

“…Jayasuriya et al (1992) also reported that emodin is a potent tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is known as a key enzyme implicated in the metabolism of melanin in melanocytes, and its inhibitors have become increasingly important in medicinal and cosmetic products in relation to hyperpigmentation (Li et al, 2004). Three anthraquinones, physcion (1), emodin (2) and citreorosein (3), isolated from P. cuspidatum were examined for their antityrosinase ability and percutaneous absorption in this study.…”