Studies on Inhibition of Tyrosinase

Abstract

Using a phenoloxidase-substrate spray technique, more than 400 aromatic compounds were investigated as inhibitors of tyrosinase. 4-Chlororesorcinol inhibited melanin formation developed on filter paper from tyrosine, dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), or epinephrine, at a concentration of 1 x 10-9; 20,000 times more potent than resorcinol. Less active were 2,4 DOPA and other 4-substituted resorcinols, orcinol and napththoresorcinol. The strongest inhibitors in an aromatic amine series were m-aminophenol and p-phenylenediamine.