Kojic Acid - A Blossoming Scaffold of Biological Significance: An Overview of Synthesis, Properties, and Biological Applications

Kojic Acid (KA) is an oxygen-based heterocycle of natural occurrence and is chemically known as 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethy1)-4<i>H</i>-pyran-4-one. This review has been designed to lighten up the various biological potentials, including the tyrosinase inhibition potential and depigmenting action of KA and its derivatives. KA has very interesting physical and chemical properties and has many applications in the medicinal and cosmetic industries, like antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and depigmentation activities. Despite its medicinal importance, KA possesses a fascinating structure with multiple reactive centers, making it valuable in various chemical transformations. Therefore, a variety of KA derivatives have been/may be prepared with improved stability and with more effective and interesting biological activities than KA itself. Here, in this review, we have briefly described the biological activities of some potent KA derivatives with a brief introduction to the physical and chemical properties of KA. This review would bridge the gap between basic research and applied science, offering value to both scientific and industrial communities.