Nuciferine, a natural compound from lotus plants, blocked tyrosinase (the enzyme that makes melanin) more effectively than kojic acid, a common ingredient in brightening products. In lab modeling, nuciferine showed stronger binding to tyrosinase and needed a lower concentration (5 µM vs. 122 µM) to work, suggesting it could be a potent option for treating dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Researchers used computer modeling (in silico screening) to test how well nuciferine attached to and inhibited tyrosinase, comparing it against three standard brightening ingredients including kojic acid and vitamin C.

Funding not disclosed in abstract