Molecular docking and experimental evaluation of natural alkaloids from Chilean flora (Cryptocarya alba, Peumus boldus, and Laurelia sempervirens) for tyrosinase inhibition and depigmenting potential

Background: are sources of aporphine and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, known for their antioxidant activity. Boldine derivatives, notably diacetylboldine (DAB, Lumiskin™), demonstrate commercial depigmenting efficacy, yet structure-activity relationship data are limited.​. Purpose: mushroom enzyme assays, molecular docking, human melanocyte (HEMn-DP), and 3D epidermal (MelanoDerm™) models to elucidate depigmenting mechanisms. Material and Methods: < 0.05). Results and Discussion: < 0.05; ∼arbutin), BOL (-10%), and DAB/LTS inactivity, highlighting the superiority of C-3 halogenation. Conclusion: LTS is the premier natural inhibitor; optimization of 3BrBOL validates BOL derivatization for ARB equivalent depigmentation in 3D models. These findings support the development of hydroquinone-free cosmeceuticals from Chilean flora alkaloids and advocate the use of nanoemulsions to enhance delivery and reduce cytotoxicity.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Published
2026-04-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.1795496
Primary Topic
melanin and skin pigmentation
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Molecular docking and experimental evaluation of natural alkaloids from Chilean flora (Cryptocarya alba, Peumus boldus, and Laurelia sempervirens) for tyrosinase inhibition and depigmenting potential

Gonzalo Fuentes‐Barros, Marco Mellado, Sebastián Castro‐Saavedra, Javier Echeverría
Frontiers in Pharmacology
melanin and skin pigmentation
article

Molecular docking and experimental evaluation of natural alkaloids from Chilean flora (Cryptocarya alba, Peumus boldus, and Laurelia sempervirens) for tyrosinase inhibition and depigmenting potential

Gonzalo Fuentes‐Barros, Marco Mellado, Sebastián Castro‐Saavedra, Javier Echeverría
article en

Abstract

Background: are sources of aporphine and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, known for their antioxidant activity. Boldine derivatives, notably diacetylboldine (DAB, Lumiskin™), demonstrate commercial depigmenting efficacy, yet structure-activity relationship data are limited.​. Purpose: mushroom enzyme assays, molecular docking, human melanocyte (HEMn-DP), and 3D epidermal (MelanoDerm™) models to elucidate depigmenting mechanisms. Material and Methods: < 0.05). Results and Discussion: < 0.05; ∼arbutin), BOL (-10%), and DAB/LTS inactivity, highlighting the superiority of C-3 halogenation. Conclusion: LTS is the premier natural inhibitor; optimization of 3BrBOL validates BOL derivatization for ARB equivalent depigmentation in 3D models. These findings support the development of hydroquinone-free cosmeceuticals from Chilean flora alkaloids and advocate the use of nanoemulsions to enhance delivery and reduce cytotoxicity.

Frontiers in PharmacologyVol. 17
Universidad de Santiago de Chile (CL), Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (PE), Murphy Oil Corporation (United States) (US), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins (CL), Universidad Maya (MX), Universidad Central de Chile (CL)
Life in Land
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
melanin and skin pigmentation
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.