<i>In vitro</i> anti-hyperpigmentation effects of <i>Lindera obtusiloba</i> Blume wood essential oil and its chemical composition

<i>Lindera obtusiloba</i> Blume (LO; family Lauraceae) has been shown to possess various bioactive properties, but LO wood essential oil (LOWEO) potential for skin whitening or anti-hyperpigmentation remains unexplored. Here, we explored the effects of LOWEO on biological activities associated with skin whitening in B16BL6 melanoma cells. LOWEO was prepared <i>via</i> steam distillation, revealing 27 components <i>via</i> GC/MS. LOWEO attenuated serum-induced B16BL6 cell proliferation. Furthermore, in α-MSH-stimulated B16BL6 cells, LOWEO decreased melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity, along with the downregulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein-2 protein expression. LOWEO also enhanced the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and P38 MAPK, whereas it suppressed JNK phosphorylation and reduced melanophilin and Rab27a protein expression in these cells. These results suggest that LOWEO may exert skin-whitening and anti-hyperpigmentation effects by suppressing melanin production and interfering with melanosome transport in B16BL6 cells. Therefore, LOWEO should be considered a promising developmental starting point for natural agents that alleviate and/or prevent skin hyperpigmentation.