Exploring anti-tyrosinase and photoprotective activities of Curcuma heyneana (val.) and Kaempferia galanga (l.) essential oils: in vitro and in silico approaches

Authors

  • Senti Dwi Suryani Universitas Andalas
  • Nazia Putri Wiarni Universitas Andalas
  • M. Alfarocky Syahroni Universitas Andalas
  • Suryati Syafri Universitas Andalas
  • Dachriyanus Hamidi Universitas Andalas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.673

Keywords:

Curcuma heyneana, Kaempferia galanga, Essential oil, Tyrosinase inhibition, Photoprotective

Abstract

The essential oils of Curcuma heyneana and Kaempferia galanga are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial biological activities. However, studies of their anti-tyrosinase activity and photoprotective effects are still limited. This study was conducted to identify metabolite profiles and assess the anti-tyrosinase activity and photoprotective effects of C. heyneana and K. galanga essential oils through in vitro and in silico approaches. The essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation. The metabolite profiles of both essential oils were identified using GC-MS techniques. The major compounds of K. galanga essential oil are trans-ethylcinnamate, ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate, and borneol. The major compounds of C. heyneana essential oil are epicurzerenone, camphor, eucalyptol, camphene, and germacrone. The IC50 values of tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activity of K. galanga and C. heyneana essential oils were 3.991 and 6.423 mg/mL, respectively. The SPF values of K. galanga and C. heyneana essential oils were 39.77 (ultra category) and 5.99 (medium category), respectively. The trans-ethylcinnamate and ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate compounds are thought to be bioactive compounds that inhibit tyrosinase enzyme activity in K. galanga essential oil because they have a high affinity or docking score of -5.9 kcal/mol and -5.8 kcal/mol, respectively, and bind to the active site of tyrosinase. Germacrone has good affinity (-5.8 kcal/mol) but only interacts with residue VAL283, possibly forming a non-specific bond. The conclusion is that the essential oil of fresh rhizomes of K. galanga has more potential to be used as an active ingredient for brightening and skin protection.

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Published

2025-10-06

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How to Cite

Exploring anti-tyrosinase and photoprotective activities of Curcuma heyneana (val.) and Kaempferia galanga (l.) essential oils: in vitro and in silico approaches. (2025). Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 24(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.673

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