Kojic acid and its use in inhibiting tyrosinase and preventing hyperpigmentation

Kojic acid , ۵-hydroxy-۲-(hydroxymethyl)-۴H-pyran-۴-one, is an organic acid that secreted by various fungi like Penicillium, Mucor, Aspergillus etc. Aspergillus flavus is the most well- known fungus that secrets Kojic acid as a secondary metabolite during aerobic fermentation. This organic acid has many applications in medicine, food industry, agriculture, cosmetics and chemistry. The major application of Kojic acid and its derivatives is in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Skin is one of the most important organ that is exposed to harmful rays that cause melasma. Tyrosinase is a type III copper-containing enzyme that involved in melanin biosynthesis and hyperpigmentation. Therefore the effect on tyrosinase activity can play a role in preventing hyperpigmentation. In addition to ultraviolet rays, other factors are involved in tyrosinase gene transcription and hyperpigmentation, including free radicals and metal ions. Kojic acid has the ability to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase by controlling intracellular signaling pathways and in addition this organic acid with chelate copper ion in active site cause a competitive inhibition effect. Finally, kojic acid from fungi is involved in skin whitening creams, skin protection lotions, etc.Our studies show that the use of kojic acid cream and its topical application has a greater effect on melasma than hydroquinone cream.

Keywords:

Aspergillus flavus , Kojic acid , Tyrosinase