Figure 4.

A simple scheme of anti-melanogenesis and antioxidant effects exerted by PCA derivatives. The anti-whitening effect of PCA derivatives is mediated by inhibiting the melanin synthesis induced via α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in B16 melanoma cells. In addition, PCA derivatives have a more effective antioxidant effect than PCA in HS68 fibroblast cells. We suggest that PCA derivatives might have multiple effects for other needs.