ABSTRACT

The pigment melanin is directly responsible for imparting skin color and imbalance in its production may lead to hyper- or hypo-pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is characterized by excessive deposition of melanin in the epidermal layer of the skin. In the growing field of bioactive cosmeceuticals, there is a constant demand for newer and more efficacious agents to counter hyperpigmentation. Kadamba is reported to regulate skin pigmentation as per Acharya Vagbhata, but remains comparatively underexplored. In the current study, Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. was screened for inhibition of melanogenesis by studying the effect on enzyme tyrosinase. The crude drug powder was examined at various concentrations ranging from 0.5mg/mL to 3 mg/mL and the IC50 value for tyrosinase inhibition was found to be 1.80 ± 0.10 mg/mL. The results indicate the potential of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. as an effective de-pigmenting bioactive agent.