한약재 174종으로부터 tyrosinase 저해제를 탐색하였다. 한약재는 30일간 methanol에 담가 놓은 후, 그 추출액을 제조하여 사용하였다 Tyrosinase의 활성을 측정하기 위해서는 효소 mushroom Tyrosinase와 기질 L-DOPA, phosphate buffer를 사용하였다. 탐색 결과, 한약재 174종 중 14개종이 tyrosinase를 저해 효과를 보였고, 그중 오배자 추출액이 inhibition activity가 가장 높게 나타났다.

Mammalian tyrosinase plays an important role in the process of melanin polymer biosynthesis by catalyzing the hydroxylation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine(DOPA) and the oxidation of DOPA to dopaquinone. These processes are major determinant of human skin color and involved in localized hyperpigmentation. Therefore, the enzyme inhibitors have been of great concern as skin-whitening cosmetics. Methanol extracts of 174 oriental herbs were screened for the mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

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