Gnetol as a potent tyrosinase inhibitor from genus gnetum

Abstract

Gnetol (2,3′,5′,6-tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene), a naturally occurring compound particularly found in the genus Gnetum, had a strong inhibitory effect on murine tyrosinase activity. Gnetol (IC50, 4.5 μM) was stronger than kojic acid (IC50, 139 μM) as a standard inhibitor for murine tyrosinase activity. Moreover, gnetol significantly suppressed melanin biosynthesis in murine B16 melanoma cells. © 2003 by Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry.