Evaluation of the anti-tyrosinase activity of extracts and rare flavonoids from Scleranthus perennis L.

Scleranthus perennis L. (Caryophyllaceae) is widely spread in Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. In folk medicine, the plant was used in veterinary to remedy animals that display fluctuating temperament. However, its phytochemical composition and pharmacological activity have not been established so far [1]. Our study aimed to analyzed anti-tyrosinase activity of extracts, fractions and the isolated compound obtained from S. perennis. The ethyl acetate fraction was phytochemically studied, leading to the bio guided isolation of rare C-flavonoid named as 5,7-dihydroxy-3‘-methoxy-4‘-acetoxy-flavone-8-C-β-D-xyloside-2‘‘-O-glucoside [2]. The structure of compound was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation. All extracts, fractions and isolated compound were tested for their potential anti-tyrosinase activity. It was found that both diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions are the most effective in tyrosinase inhibition activity assays (110.09 μg/mL and 290.54 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, isolated flavone showed comparable activity to the tested extracts or fractions. Correspondingly to our results, we concluded that all samples and isolated compound showed significant anti-tyrosinase activity. Obtained samples may protect the skin macromolecules against enzymatic degradation. Therefore, tyrosinase inhibitors block melanogenesis and prevent hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 December 2021

• References

• 1 Simssen RD, Jones-Garnock PJ, Chambers GK. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences suggests a Pliocene origin for the bipolar distribution of Scleranthus (Caryophyllaceae). Australian Syst Bot 2003; 16: 301-315
• 2 Jakimiuk K., Wink M, Tomczyk M. Flavonoids of the Caryophyllaceae. Phytochem Rev 2021; 20: 1-41