Polyol-based ultrasound-assisted extraction: Unlocking the anti-tyrosinase and anti-melanogenesis potential of Vitex trifolia Linn. Leaves

The growing demand for safe, sustainable cosmetic ingredients has prompted interest in plant-based actives with antioxidant and skin-whitening potential. Vitex trifolia Linn. (VT) is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, but its application in skin depigmentation remains underexplored. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nuntawat Khat-Udomkiri, Panthipa Petsringoen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Results in Chemistry
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211715625005739
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Summary:The growing demand for safe, sustainable cosmetic ingredients has prompted interest in plant-based actives with antioxidant and skin-whitening potential. Vitex trifolia Linn. (VT) is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, but its application in skin depigmentation remains underexplored. This study investigates the efficacy of polyol-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for recovering bioactive compounds from VT leaves, with a focus on phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and anti-tyrosinase and anti-melanogenesis activities—key attributes for cosmeceutical applications. Extraction conditions were studied by varying solvent types, solid-to-solvent ratio, ultrasonic power, and extraction time. The selected UAE conditions: 50 % (w/v) propylene glycol, 1:50 solid-to-solvent ratio, ultrasonic power level 9-, and 60-min extraction, yielded a total phenolic content of 11.15 ± 0.25 mg GAE/g sample, DPPH scavenging activity of 9.08 ± 0.42 mg TE/g sample, and tyrosinase inhibition of 1.08 ± 0.09 mg KAE/g sample. Compared to conventional shaking extraction, polyol-based UAE significantly improved extraction efficiency and preserved bioactivity. An LC-qTOF-MS analysis revealed several phenolic and flavonoid compounds linked to antioxidant and melanogenesis-inhibiting functions. Cytotoxicity testing in B16F10 melanoma cells confirmed the extract's safety at effective concentrations. Importantly, the extract reduced the melanin content without cytotoxic effects, supporting its potential as a natural skin-whitening agent. Overall, this study proposes a sustainable and scalable strategy for extracting bioactive compounds from VT leaves using a safe, formulation-compatible solvent. The findings suggest the cosmetic potential of these extracts, offering insights into developing eco-friendly ingredients in line with green chemistry principles.
ISSN:2211-7156