Critical review of Ayurvedic Varṇya herbs and their tyrosinase inhibition effect

Abstract

Introduction:

The aspiration for light skin (fair complexion) is becoming pronounced in a greater number of people in the present times with natural products being more in demand than their synthetic counterparts. Research in the area of skin-lightening agents is an expanding field with the knowledge being updated regularly. In Ayurveda, varṇya, raktaprasādana, tvacya are few terms specifying skin lightening with respect to its modern counterpart i.e., Tyrosinase inhibition, the most commonly reported method of skin lightening.

Aim:

The present review is undertaken for screening twenty herbs from Varṇya Mahākaṣāya, Lodhrādi varṇya gaṇa, Elādi varṇa prasādana gaṇa and few varṇya formulations to evaluate their probable modes of action through which the skin lightening is effected as per both Ayurveda and biomedical concepts.

Materials and Methods:

Critical review of herbs to show varṇya property is compiled from various Ayurvedic texts as well as from multiple articles on the internet to justify their skin lightening property on the basis of data collected.

Result and Conclusion:

All the twenty herbs reviewed are found to act as varṇya directly (citation as varṇya) or indirectly (alleviation of pitta and rakta) as per Ayurveda and to interfere in melanogenesis pathway through tyrosinase inhibition as per biomedicine. This shows their potential to act as good skin whitening agents. Śuṇṭhi being a part of many varṇya formulations, is the only herb among all reviewed in the present study found to exhibit tyrosinase inhibition without any Ayurvedic citation of varṇya property.

INTRODUCTION

The contemporary concept of wellness includes beauty, health, fitness as well as anti-aging aspects.[1] Beauty, specially fairness of skin, is a subject of socio-medical importance and has given rise to many skin-lightening procedures such as dermabrasion, ultrasound, and laser therapy.[2,3,4,5,6,7] Unhealthy skin gives rise to social issues whereas healthy-intact skin increases cheerfulness and confidence. Traditional herbal medicines provide an interesting source for development of new skin-care cosmetics. Indian Cosmetic market is growing at 15-20% annually, twice as fast as two leading countries i.e. US and EU market.[8] The unique, effective, and long lasting concept of beauty in Ayurveda has led to the emergence of Ayur-cosmaceuticals. The concept of varṇa, chāyā, prabhā dealt in Ayurveda are innate entities of beauty. The word varṇa in Sanskrit means “outward appearance, exterior form, figure, shape, colour”, “colour of the face”, “good colour or complexion, lustre, beauty.[9] Varṇa is not just colour but it includes all the parameters of healthy and radiant skin.[10] Chāyā is the entity which circumscribes varṇa and prabhā is the highlighter of complexion.[11] Thus whatever brings softness and beauty to skin along with enhancement of complexion, radiance or luminescence is termed as varṇya.

Concept of Varṇya (skin whitening) as per Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, process of formation of skin in foetus is attributed to pāka of rakta dhātu. Agni mahābhūta is said to be at the root of varṇa utpatti (skin colour formation) and pitta being the main seat of agni is responsible for the same.[12] Prabhā or maintenance of body complexion is one of the functions of pitta and bhrājaka pitta seated in the skin radiates the glow of one's natural complexion that is expressed through varṇa. Hence the herbs which alleviate pitta, rakta in general either acting through their rasa, vipāka or prabhāva are considered as varṇya.

Modern concept of pigmentation

The primary determinant of variability in human skin colour is the density, amount as well as the distribution of Melanin pigment secreted by melanocyte cells in basal layer of the epidermis by a process known as Melanogenesis.[13,14]

There are two main types of melanin that determine skin tone viz. Eumelanin and Phaeomelanin. Individuals with darker skin tones have mostly eumelanin as compared to phaeomelanin and vice-versa.[15] Various physiological processes determine pigmentation in the human body, few of which are controlled genetically viz. development and density of melanocytes, expression of the enzymatic and structural constituents of melanosomes while others viz. synthesis and distribution of melanin in skin, transport of melanosomes to dendrites and keratinocytes are the targets for manipulation through skin-lightening agents.[16]

Skin-lightening agents interfere in the melanogenesis pathway, melanin transfer or desquamation for lowering pigmentation on the surface of the skin,[17] which generally acts by any of the ways such as Tyrosinase inhibition, Mitf (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) inhibition, Down regulation of MC1R (Melanocortin receptor 1 which is a Gs-protein - coupled-receptor) activity, Interference with melanosome maturation and transfer and Melanocyte loss (exfoliation).[18]

Apart from Tyrosinase inhibitors, Anti-oxidants and Vitamins such as A, B, C, E either directly or indirectly serve as skin lightening ingredients.[19]

Tyrosinase inhibition is the most widely reported screening method in the literature for skin-lightening ingredients. Tyrosinase (monophenol monooxygenase), also known as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a copper-containing enzyme present in melanocytes that catalyzes two major reactions during melanogenesis, including hydroxylation of tyrosine and oxidation of the o-diphenyl product, L-DOPA which produces a highly reactive intermediate that is further oxidized to form melanin by free radical-coupling pathway.[20] Some of the best known tyrosinase inhibitors are hydroquinone[21] and kojic acid[22] which interact with copper at the active site of the enzyme tyrosinase, thus decreasing its activity.

Antioxidants serve to reduce oxidation of tyrosine to DOPA quinine[23] as well as the quenching of free radical help in reducing the synthesis of melanin, thereby contributing to skin de-pigmentation effects.[24]

Vitamins have been known to improve skin tone as well as texture. Vitamin A has been used for some decades for the treatment of melasma. Tretinoin acts as a skin-lightening agent by inducing exfoliation and accelerates the loss of epidermal melanin by increasing the turnover rate and by promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes.[25,26] Retinyl palmitate, a derivative of retinoic acid is also used in skin-lightening cosmetic preparations. Among the various classes of Vitamin B, two have been identified to have skin-lightening activity: (a) Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Is a well known antioxidant and interferes in melanasome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes leading to skin lightening.[27] (b) Vitamin B5 (Panthenoic acid): A derivative of vitamin B5, calcium pantetheine sulfonate has been observed to interfere with the glycosylation of tyrosinase, thereby leading to depigmentation effects.[28]

Vitamin C deactivates UV-induced free radicals and also acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, thereby lightening the skin.[29] Vitamin E acts as antioxidant in the body and provides protection against UV-induced hyperpigmentation.[30]

It is of great interest to know that cosmetically used traditional formulations have activities that might be useful in modern formulations. Modern trials have also established the utility of Indian herbs both as curative and cosmetic as per traditionally documented applications.[31]

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ayurvedic literature describes over 200 herbs and minerals to maintain and enhance the beauty of the skin.[32] A few herbs evaluated for skin whitening effect from varṇya mahākaṣāya,[33] lodhrādi varṇya gaṇa,[34] elādi varṇa prasādana gaṇa[35] and a few varṇya formulations viz. haridrā khaṇḍa,[36] nimbādi cūrṇa,[37] candanādi taila,[38] kuṅkumādi taila,[39] kanakāriṣṭa[40] The herbs and their action are described below.

Śveta Candana (Santalum album)

Being considered as a symbol of vitality, it is commonly used as a cosmetic and in skin care. It is suitable for all types of skin. Sandalwood oil being rich in sesquiterpenoid alcohols (80-90%),[41] is mainly used in numerous skin fairness enhancing cosmetics and had shown low acute oral and dermal toxicity in lab animals.[42] Recent studies have indicated that α-santalol, the major constituent of the sandalwood oil, is a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase (IC50 = 171 μg/mL) as compared to kojic acid and arbutin (IC50 – 149 ug/ml) showing great potential for use in skin-care.[41]

Madhuyaṣṭi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Liquorice root offers skin depigmenting, lightening, emollient, anti-acne, photo protection, antiaging, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, all helpful for a healthy skin.[43] Role of G. glabra on skin is mainly attributed to its antioxidant activity of phytochemicals namely triterpene, saponins (Glycyrrhizin-salts of glycyrrhizic acid) and flavonoids.[44] Glycyrrhizetic acid controls the secretion of melanin in skin and it has the effect of reducing dark pigmentation and making the complexion fairer.[45] Methanolic extract of its rhizome has been reported to be a potent tyrosinase inhibitor in human skin with more than 75% inhibition. The IC50 value was found to be within range when compared to well known skin whitening agent i.e. Kojic acid.[46] Therefore, it is likely to be useful for cosmetic applications.

Mañjiṣṭhā (Rubia cordifolia)

It holds the reputation of a very good skin care herb as is used to make the complexion even and lighten dark spots.[47] Ayurvedic texts enumerate its qualities to be: Varṇya, rakta prasādaka, rakta śodhaka (blood purifier). Chemically, it contains glucosides known as Manjisthin and Purpurine, along with resins, lime salts and colouring agents.[48] Methanolic extract of this herb has been reported to show 14.80% mean inhibition of tyrosinase activity thereby acting as skin whitening agent.[46]

Nāgakesara (Mesua ferrea)

Although it is not popular as a skin care herb but the scientific screening of this plant has confirmed its antioxidant, blood purifier effect along with its potential use in cosmetics.[49] Phytochemically, phenyl coumarins,[50] xanthones,[51] triterpenoids,[52] flavanoids are mainly held responsible for its biological activity. A study has revealed its potent antioxidant activity comparable to that of standard ascorbic acid.[53] In another study solvent extract of chestnut flowers (chestnut tree being the english name of Nāagkesara) has shown to exhibit remarkable mushroom tyrosinase inhibitiory activity as effectively as arbutin and protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays making it a strong candidate for use in cosmetics.[54]

Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides)

The use of Padmaka as skin care herb is well documented in both Ayurveda (Used in leprosy, leucodermaa, erysipelas)[55] and in biomedicine, even then it is not a popular cosmetic herb. Recently, a new flavanone glycoside Puddumin-B, (naringenin-4-methyl-ether -7-O-β-D-galactoside) has been isolated from Prunus cerasoides[56] which exhibited anti melanogenesis activity by suppression of tyrosinase protein making it a suitable candidate for skin whitening.[57]

Śārivā (Hemidesmus indica)

Commonly known as Anantamūla or Salsa, it is employed as a blood purifier and for various skin problems.[58] It promotes health and energy and cures diseases caused by vitiated blood.[59] The antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of H. indicus root bark has been evaluated in several in vitro and ex vivo models.[60] Methanolic extract of its root has been reported to show 14.80% mean tyrosinase inhibitiory activity when assayed using l-DOPA as the substrate.[46] Another study revealed root extracts of H. indicus to contain 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde as principal fragrant phenolic compound showing inhibitory potential against diphenolase and monophenolase activity of the tyrosinase enzyme thus proving its skin whitening potential.[61]

Uṣīra (Vetiveria zizanoides)

It is an ecofriendly, perennial tussock grass that is used traditionally for various ailments but the commercially extracted Vetiver zizanoides essential oil (VZ-EO) has extensive applications in cosmetic industries.[62] Over 150 compounds have been isolated from vetiver oil so far,[63] the most abundant component being cedr-8-en-13-ol (12.4%) along with α-amorphene (7.80%), β-vatirenene (5.94%), α-gurjunene (5.91%) and dehydro-aromadendrene (5.45%). It has been reported that VZ-EO exhibits significant antioxidant activity and suppresses the β-MSH-induced melanogenesis thereby decreasing melanin production through tyrosinase inactivation and the simultaneous suppression of oxidative stress in B16 melanoma cells.[64] Therefore, VZ-EO has the potential to become an ingredient in future hypopigmentation cosmetics.

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)

This herb is credited with cleansing and soothing properties, and hence is used in various skin ailments. Salireposides isolated from its extract has well documented activity against acne producing bacteria.[65] It has also been reported to show 6.60% mean tyrosinase inhibitory activity,[46] and thus is useful as a mild skin care herb.

Kuṣṭha (Saussurea lappa)

Roots of this plant are indicated in various skin disorders such as leprosy, erysipelas, as well as to improve complexion.[66] In Modern research also, methanolic extract of crude drug exhibited approx. 33.4% tyrosinase inhibition when assayed with slightly modified dopachrome method showing its usefulness as a skin whitening agent.[67]

Tvak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

All the three varieties of Cinnamomum viz- zeylanicum (Dālcīni), tamāla (Tejpatra), cassia[68] have been shown to have skin whitening property.

• C. zeylanicum - Essential oil has been reported to show anti-tyrosinase activity and cinnamaldehyde was found to be the primary compound responsible for this inhibition[69]

• C. cassia - Essential oil is chemically composed of cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid (43.06%) and cinnamaldehyde (42.37%)[70] along with trans-cinnamaldehyde (33.95%–76.4%).[71] It has been reported that the activity of mushroom tyrosinase as well as melanin production in B16 melanoma cells were significantly inhibited by Cinnamomum cassia essential oil as well as cinnamaldehyde,[70] Therefore, C. cassia essential oil can potentially be employed as an effective skin-whitening agent.

• -C. tamāla- C. tamāla also has proven potential to be used in herbal cosmetics for improving skin complexion as its alcoholic extract showed 25.0 ± 0.30% mean inhibition of tyrosinase activity.[72]

Kesar (Crocus sativus)

Commonly known as saffron, it is a well-known complexion promoter as per the texts of Ayurveda.[73] Two clinical trials had established anti-pruritic and complexion promotion effects of saffron.[74] It has been reported to contain more than 150 carotenoid compounds including safranal, zeaxanthin, lycopene and various α- and β-carotenes[75] along with a rich source of riboflavin.[76] The methanolic extracts of Crocus sativus flower has shown increased tyrosinase inhibitory activity with increasing concentration, i.e., from 10.78 at concentration of 50 µg/ml to 28.22 at 1000 µg/mL[77] along with having antioxidant activity due to presence of cyanidins.[78] In another study, kaempferol isolated from the petals of Crocus sativus has been found to inhibit the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) catalyzed by mushroom tyrosinase with an IC50 value of 67 µg/mL thus exhibiting skin whitening potential.[79]

Haridrā (Curcuma longa)

Commonly called turmeric, the rhizomes of this herb exhibit properties such as photo protection, anti wrinkle, anti ageing, antioxidant, astringent, anti-irritant, moisturizing effects which are all good for the skin.[80] Curcumin or diferuloylmethane and other curcuminoids constitute the main phytochemicals of Curcuma longa.[81] Curcumin's utility in cosmetic ailments is increasing by the day as it has been proven that topical administration directly delivers curcumin to the affected tissue.[82] Curcumin has been found to suppress melanogenesis in stimulated melanoma cells through down regulation of melanogenesis-related proteins such as tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related proteins.[83] A recent study on turmeric rhizomes has proven maximum efficacy of 88.56% inhibition of tyrosinase activity supporting the above cited use of haridrā as skin whitening agent.[72]

Dāruharidrā (Berberis aristata)

This plant is traditionally documented as skin complexion promoter similar to haridrā.[84] A number of alkaloids have been found in dāruharidrā viz. bereberine, oxycanthine, palmatine, epiberberine,[85] karachine,[86] dehydrocaroline, taximaline etc,[87] with the major constituent being berberine having a yield of 2.34%.[88] Antioxidant potential of 50% aqueous ethanolic root extract of dāruharidrā is well documented.[89] Methanolic extract of this herb has shown 20.80% mean tyrosinase inhibitory activity.[46] Both the facts support its varṇya property.

Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus)

It is not a commonly used herb for skin disorders but as it is well documented in Ayurveda for treating blood disorders,[90] and therefore indirectly it helps in maintenance of healthy skin. The phytochemical investigations of C. rotundus rhizomes had revealed the presence of polyphenol, flavonol glycoside,[91] saponin,[92] Vitamin C,[93] sesquiterpenoids[94] and essential oil.[95] In a study, methanolic extract of this herb has been found to have 11.82% tyrosinase inhibitory activity.[46] Cyperus rotundus rhizomes extract has been proved to be a potential source of natural antioxidant,[96] both the above cited facts suggest its utility in future for skin whitening cosmetics.

Nimba (Azadirachta indica, commonly called neem)

Perceived as a beauty aid in India, neem is particularly prescribed for skin diseases and detoxification of blood.[97] The use of nimba as skin whitening agent is not so popular although purified neem oil and powdered leaves are a major component of at least one widely used facial cream and other cosmetics.[98] But recent studies have suggested its utility as skin whitening agent because the methanolic extract of neem bark has shown significant tyrosinase inhibition activity up to 43.59% whereas leaf showed 10.10% activity.[46] Also, the hydro distilled extract of its heart wood has been reported with significant anti-oxidant activity owing to presence of high phenolic content.[99]

Khādira (Acacia catechu)

Khādira is considered as the best herb beneficial to the skin in Ayurvedic texts[100] and is highly valuable for its powerful astringent and antioxidant properties due to the presence of catechins.[101] Its methanolic extract has shown remarkable i.e. 44.40% tyrosinase inhibitory activity as compared to aqueous extract exhibiting only 12.78% inhibition. This goes to show its skin lightening property.[46]

Āmalakī (Phyllanthus emblica)

Indian Gooseberry or Āmlā is a well known antioxidant used to treat and heal a number of health ailments. It has been reported that antioxidant strength of āmlā is derived from its high density of ellagitannins[102] such as emblicanin A (37%), emblicanin B (33%), punigluconin (12%) and pedunculagin (14%)[103] rather than due to high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).[104] Although it is not popular as skin whitening herb but it is a component of various varṇya formulations in Ayurveda being a potent anti-oxidant which has been explored scientifically. A Study conducted to evaluate tyrosinase inhibitory activity of ethanolic and methanolic extract of āmlā has shown IC50 value of 247.37 ± 18.57 and 193.75 ± 44.90 respectively as they inhibit mRNA expressions of tyrosinase and its related proteins, proving its efficacy as a skin whitening agent.[105]

Harītakī (Terminalia chebula)

It is mainly recognised as a wonder medicine for digestive problems along with being a part of many skin whitening formulations in Ayurveda. Nine phenolic compounds, including two phenolic carboxylic acids, seven hydrolyzable tannins, eight triterpenoids had been isolated from it. Methanolic aqueous extract of the gall of Terminalia chebula has been found to have potent inhibitory activities against melanogenesis (39.3-66.3% melanin content) in B16 melanoma cells induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Isoterchebulin had reduced the protein levels of MITF (microphtalmia-associated transcription factor), tyrosinase and its related proteins.[106] So, it can be a useful skin whitening agent for future cosmetics.

Śuṇṭhi (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is commonly used and posseses many health benefits. 6-Gingerol has been found to be an active component of ginger whose effects on mushroom tyrosinase and melanin content were determined spectrophotometrically and the expression of tyrosinase and related proteins in B16F10 murine melanoma cells was evaluated by Western blotting. A Study had reported that 6-gingerol (25-100 µM) effectively suppresses murine tyrosinase activity and decreases the amount of melanin as well as intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in a dose-dependent manner acting as a good whitening agent for skin.[107]

Padma (Nelumbo nucifera)

Often used as an example of divine beauty and elegance, its flowers, seeds, young leaves and roots (rhizomes) are all edible. The flavonol miquelianin (Quercetin 3-O-glucuronide), as well as the alkaloids coclaurine and norcoclaurine, has been found in the leaves of N. nucifera[108] and its seeds contain alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates and phenolics. Hydro alcoholic extract of its seeds has been reported to show significant antioxidant nature in various in vitro and in vivo models[109] and methanolic extract of seed showed remarkable 33.57% tyrosinase inhibitory activity,[46] showing potential to be a good skin whitening agent.

DISCUSSION

Due to revival of preference for natural products and for fair as well as flawless skin, skin whitening herbal cosmetics are in big demand across the world. Skin lightening is not only a psychological and social issue, but also related to general health issue that needs to be addressed with some interventions. As tyrosinase inhibition is still the most sought after mechanism of skin lightening, herbs having such property will show promise as depigmenting agents. In Ayurveda, pitta and rakta vitiation are held responsible for impairment of skin health, lustre, colour as well as complexion and skin diseases such as visarpa (erysipelas), vyaṅga (melasma), śvitra (leucoderma), dadru (urticaria), pippalu (moles) to name a few, therefore herbs alleviating these two will act as skin lightening agents. Most of the herbs evaluated above for their action upon skin whitening are largely described as varṇya drugs in Ayurveda. A few among them act indirectly as varṇya by alleviating rakta and pitta doṣa as shown by the respective verses in the Table 1. Interestingly it is found that śuṇṭhi, although a part of many varṇya formulations is the only one that is not cited for varṇya property directly or indirectly in Ayurveda but is still found to have tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Table 1.

varṇya property of herbs as per Ayurveda

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first attempt to compile and correlate the probable mode of action of varṇya herbs describing both Ayurvedic and biomedical points of view. Drugs evaluated here are described with varṇya use in Ayurveda but are being used primarily for ailments rather than as skin applications. We found all the herbs evaluated here to act as varṇya directly or indirectly as per Ayurveda and to inhibit tyrosinase enzyme activity. Hence they can be potentially employed as effective skin-whitening agents as well as for treating hyper pigmentation disorders in future cosmetic formulations. There are a multitude of single herbs viz. Bakuci, Vaṭa aṅkura, Aśoka, Vidārī, Vāsa, Devdāru to name a few and polyherbal or herbo-mineral preparations that have been attributed with Varṇya property in Ayurvedic lexicons whose Tyrosinase inhibition studies should be undertaken so as to explore their potential as skin whitening agents.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.