Assessment of Anti-tyrosinase, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Trigonostemon reidioides Extracts on Mouse Fibroblast (L929) Cells

Abstract

Background: Trigonostemon reidioides (Kurz) Craib is a plant traditionally used for its whitening properties, although previous studies have reported some adverse effects associated with its use. Objectives: The objective of this study were to investigate the antityrosinase activity, antioxidant activity, and toxicity on Mouse Fibroblast (L929) Cells of the T. reidioides extracts. The antityrosinase activity was determined using the dopachrome method, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method. The cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. Results: The results revealed that the ethanol extract exhibited strong antityrosinase activity, with an IC50 value of 5.38 µg/ml. Furthermore, Fraction 3 and Fraction 4, which were further separated from the ethanol extract, demonstrated high antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ranging from 1.65 to 2.10 µg/ml. The hexane extract, as well as Fraction 4 and Fraction 5, exhibited low toxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 11.82 to 40.12 µg/ml. Conclusions: These findings indicate that Fraction 4 and Fraction 5 of T. reidioides possess potent antityrosinase and antioxidant activities, while displaying low cytotoxicity against the mouse fibroblast (L929) cell line. Therefore, Fraction 4 and Fraction 5 hold considerable potential for further development as skin whitening agents derived from T. reidioides extracts.