Detection of selective Tyrosinase inhibitors from some South African plant extracts of Lamiaceae family

Abstract

Various dermatological disorders, such as formation of black pigmented patches on the surface of the skin arise from the over-activity of tyrosinase enzyme's degenerative action. This enzyme is further implicated in the involvement of melanin in malignant melanoma, the most lifethreatening skin tumors. Although, synthetic products were found effective to combat this menace, nevertheless, overtime detrimental effect on human skin is a challenge. Investigation of natural tyrosinase inhibitors from methanol extracts of medicinal plants of Lamiaceae family using L-tyrosine as substrate on three different complementary assays (TLC bio-autography, spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry) was carried out accordingly.