Underutilized Asian Fruits as Functional Foods: Pharmacological Properties and Role in Tyrosinase Inhibition and Melanin Regulation

• Underutilized tropical fruits are a rich source of phytonutrients • Explores the pharmacological properties of fruits and melanogenesis pathways • Fruit phytochemicals exhibit stronger tyrosinase inhibition than positive controls • Potential for cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical development Globally, the treatment of pigmentary disorders remains a significant unmet clinical need. Developing improved therapeutics for pigmentary disorders requires identifying target molecules and cell signalling pathways, and potent melanogenesis inhibitors. Although certain synthetic cosmetics, such as those containing hydroquinone, are commonly used, they often cause side effects like skin irritation. This has driven growing interest in safer, natural alternatives. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme that regulates melanin biosynthesis in melanocytes. Therefore, cosmeceuticals containing natural tyrosinase inhibitors attracted increased attention. Notably, numerous fruit crops native to Asia remains underutilized despite their promising anti-melanogenic potential. In this review, we systematically explore fourteen indigenous tropical fruits that have demonstrated potential as anti-melanogenic agents, alongside other pharmacological benefits for dermatological health. The fruits primarily exert their whitening effect by targeting tyrosinase enzymes and associated pathways, suggesting the promising applications in the cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. Future research should prioritize clinical evaluations and the development of standardized extracts to optimize the therapeutic potential of these fruits. In conclusion, we believe this review will provide a comprehensive reference for researchers developing natural product-based cosmetics, while supporting the commercial development and broader utilization of these fruits.