Alpiniawhite is an extract of the seeds of Alpinia Katsumadai Hayata, a perennial plant which grows abundantly in some parts of China and Taiwan. It is a product of Ichimaru Pharcos of Japan.

Background:

The sun-dried seeds of the Katsumadai plant have been used for medicinal purposes. They contain flavonoids such as alpinetin, cardamonin, and saponin. Recent studies showed that the extract of the Alpnia Katsumadai plant has anti-bacterial, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and elastase inhibitory effects.

Efficacy:

In the mechanism of melanogenesis, researchers have recently discovered a new signalling pathway of tyrosinase synthesis, and in the process, finding a unique approach in suppressing melanin production. In this pathway, phospholipid-degrading enzyme (PLD1) plays a prominent role by hydrolyzing phophatidylcholine (PC), the main component of the cell membrane, into phophatidic acid (PA) and choline.

In in vitro tests conducted with B16 melanoma cells, the expression of tyrosinase decreases and intercellular melanin content declines by enhancing PLD1 activity. In this method, it is like putting a brake on the acceleration of tyrosinase, thus, suppressing the process of melanogenesis.

Tests showed that the extract of the seed of Alpinia Katsumadai Hayata, Alpiniawhite, significantly activates the PLD1 pathway resulting in a remarkable skin lightening effect.