The Effect of Uvaria rufa Fruit Extract for Antioxidant and Anti-Melanogenic Activities and Phytochemical Profiling Using LC–MS Analysis

Abstract

Uvaria rufa

(U. rufa) Blume is commonly found in Southern and Eastern Asia, including Thailand. This plant is commonly known as “Carabao teats” in English and “Pee Puan” in Thai. Even though hyperpigmented skin is generally a harmless condition, it is often a cosmetic concern. Ultraviolet exposure seems to be the primary contributing factor. In this study, we investigated the bioactive constituents of the ethanol extract of U. rufa fruits and evaluated their anti-melanogenic effects and tyrosinase inhibition in B16F10 mouse melanocyte cells (B16F10 melanoma cells) induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This extract included phenolic and flavonoid components, as well as secondary metabolites demonstrated using LC–MS analysis, including betaine, hydroquinone, kojic acid, nicotinamide, quercetin, cysteamine, neoagarobiose, gallic acid, and cinnamic acid. Based on its antioxidant constituents and preliminary antioxidant screening, the extract possessed free radical scavenging capability by effectively scavenging DPPH and nitric oxide (NO) radicals with an IC₅₀ of 7.05 and 16.56 mg/mL, respectively. The extract inhibited melanin production by 123.2 ± 3.3% and tyrosinase activity by 134 ± 4.23% in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, suggesting that the observed anti-melanogenic capability arises from the combined action of several bioactive substances. Taken together, this present study demonstrates that U. rufa fruits have potential as a natural anti-melanogenic remedy and supports its further development for applications in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.