A dedicated team of researchers from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Pakistan, and China embarked on a quest to uncover skincare breakthroughs hidden in the heart of nature, driven by the universal desire for flawless and radiant skin. Their collaborative study, “The Anti-melanogenic Properties of Swietenia macrophylla King” unveiled a remarkable revelation – the potential of Swietenia macrophylla seeds in combating pigmentation and enhancing skincare.
In their pursuit, the researchers observed a significant inhibition of tyrosinase activity and melanin production in zebrafish embryos when S. Macrophylla seeds were meticulously extracted. This groundbreaking discovery shed light on the seeds’ anti-pigmentation properties and their promising role in skincare.
Professor Dr Goh Khang Wen, a senior lecturer from INTI International University’s Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology (FDSIT), explained the significance of this finding: “The extract from mahogany seeds effectively slowed down or inhibited the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, resulting in a substantial reduction in melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour.”
The researchers embarked on a meticulous journey to unlock the skincare potential of S. macrophylla seeds. They carefully collected three kilograms of seeds from Temerloh, Malaysia, catalogued at the Herbarium of the Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. The extraction process involved drying, fine grinding, and a 72-hour ethanol soak, then deriving the crude ethanolic extract using a rotary vacuum evaporator at 40°C. Subsequent solvent-solvent fractionation yielded enriched fractions, providing valuable insights into the bioactive properties essential for skincare applications.
Prof. Goh elaborated on their findings: “The ethanolic extract surprisingly reduced tyrosinase and melanin production activity in zebrafish embryos. Further studies on proteins involved in skin pigmentation confirmed the seeds’ ability to counteract pigmentation, with tests on zebrafish embryos due to their genetic similarities with humans.”
The research delved even further, exploring the presence of limonoids within the seeds through molecular docking experiments. These experiments suggested the potential of limonoids to inhibit pigmentation. However, Prof. Goh emphasised the need for further confirmation before these natural compounds could be developed into skin-whitening agents.
These groundbreaking discoveries mark a new era in skincare research, positioning the traditionally valued S. Macrophylla seeds as potential contributors to innovative skincare formulations. As the skincare industry seeks natural, safe, and sustainable alternatives, these seeds emerge as a guiding light, offering potential applications beyond skin care. These applications may include their use as anticancer agents or within drug delivery systems.
The research conducted by Prof. Dr Goh and counterparts from other universities looked at the characteristics of Swietenia macrophylla seeds for their potential in skincare.
The researchers who collaborated with Prof. Dr Goh on “The Anti-melanogenic Properties of Swietenia macrophylla King”