Melanin-Decolorizing Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes, Glutathione Peroxidase, Thiol Peroxidase, and Catalase

Melanin is the most important factor to determine skin color. Many research efforts are being undertaken to decompose the already-produced melanin compounds in skin for beauty. This research investigated the effects on reducing melanin color of the three antioxidant enzymes, Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), Thiol peroxidase (TPX), and Catalase, in lysosomal fraction. Melanin solution was treated with the enzymes and hydrogen peroxide, then reacted for 48 h. GPX and TPX decolorized melanin, and between them, GPX was more efficient, but Catalase was not effective. GPX also inhibited the production of melanin in B16F10 melanoma cells. GPX, which is present in almost all microorganisms, plays an important role in the cellular defense mechanism by reactive oxygen species. In addition, it was not cytotoxic, but was significantly effective in decolorizing melanin color. Therefore, in the biological and microbiological field, its possibility of utilization in skin whitening cosmetic is high.