Scientists tap into ginger’s tyrosinase inhibition and radical scavenging powers for skin care

10 Nov 2023 --- A recent study has explored the Zingiberaceae ginger plant family, known for its rich medicinal properties, for new cosmetics applications. The research zeros in on specific plants — Hedychium coronarium, Curcuma zedoaria, Curcuma heyneana and Alpinia galanga — assessing their phenolic content, radical scavenging capacity and potential tyrosinase inhibition.

The study’s phytochemical screening evidenced flavonoids and polyphenols from these plants. The authors highlight that traditional plant-based remedies continue to captivate interest, particularly in Asia and Africa.

Galangal ranked with greatest potential
Alpinia galanga’s (Greater galangal) rhizome extract had the highest phenolic content at 252.36 mg GAE/g extract. Further, it is enhanced by a moderate radical scavenging activity at an IC50 of 66.67 µg/mL.

“Alpinia galanga possesses the potential to be further developed as a cosmetic with a radical scavenging and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. However, it may be interesting to carry out further studies of how the plant extract affects the melanogenesis signaling pathway,” write the authors.

The study also delves into the world of molecules using advanced docking simulations. It focuses on key players — kaempferol, galangin, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate and 6-gingerol.

These molecules show a strong connection with the tyrosinase binding site, revealing a complex interaction at the molecular level. 

The galangin molecule particularly stands out, displaying a “binding mode” similar to the well-known tyrosinase inhibitor, kojic acid.Alpinia galanga’s rhizome extract had the highest phenolic content at 252.36 mg GAE/g extract.

All ginger plants possess potent polyphenolic compounds
The tested plants were collected from Lembang, West Java, Indonesia.

“Each of the rhizomes of the plants was cleaned from the soil, dust, and other foreign inorganic matter, washed, sliced, and sun-dried. A quantity of 500 g of the dried plant was soaked in ethanol 70% for 24 hours at 25 ± 1 °C,” describe the authors.

They suggest the plants’ active components can be used in cosmetics, particularly skin-lightening products.

Ultimately, all the plants contained polyphenolic compounds ranging from 17.92 (Curcuma zedoaria rhizome extract) to 252.36 (Alpinia galanga rhizome extract) mg GAE/g and have radical scavenging capacity, with IC50 values in the range of 66.67 (Alpinia galanga rhizome extract) to 320.0 (Curcuma heyneana rhizome extract) μg/mL.

Delving into latest botanical uses in cosmetics
In other recent research into plant functionalities, researchers explored Peperomia pellucida’s phytochemicals and their ability to inhibit enzymes linked to skin aging, while another study encapsulated black pepper’s alkaloid, piperine, in polymeric nanoparticles, showing benefits for topical applications.

In September, Personal Care Insights brought together the latest research on antioxidants, sharing findings on the enzymes superoxide dismutase, yellow herb Gentiana lutea and red seaweed Gelidium corneum. 

We also explored recent dermatological advancements involving seeds harvested from palm trees making up the dense canopies of the Amazon and those from passion fruit plantations along the equatorial belt.

By Venya Patel