The Potential of Cantigi Leaves Extract (Vaccinium varingiaefolium Miq.) as a Skin-Lightening Agent Through Tyrosinase Enzyme Inhibition

Authors

  • Yulius Evan Christian Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Putriana Rachmawati Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Sharon Susanto Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Arif Setiawansyah Cendikia Farma Husada Pharmacy Academy, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24252/djps.v8i2.61520

Keywords:

Cantigi, tyrosinase, flavonoid, IC50, ethanol extract

Abstract

Introdiction: Cantigi (Vaccinium varingiaefolium Miq.) was an Indonesian endemic plant that grows in mountainous regions and contains flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins as secondary metabolites. These compounds are potential antioxidants and natural skin-lightening agents that inhibit tyrosinase enzymes. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the tyrosinase inhibition activity of cantiga leaf extract and compare it with that of kojic acid as a positive control. Methods: Cantigi leaves were extracted sequentially using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and 96% ethanol, followed by concentration using a rotary evaporator. Evaluations included in vitro evaluation of organoleptic properties, pH, solubility, total flavonoid content, and tyrosinase inhibition activity in vitro. Result: The results showed that the 96% ethanol extract was dark red, had a characteristic odor, and had a viscous form with an average pH of 3.12. The total flavonoid content was determined to be 4.03% using the colorimetric method with quercetin as the standard. Tyrosinase inhibition testing showed that kojic acid had an IC50 value of 28.219 ppm, whereas cantigi leaf extract had an IC50 value of 1987.775 ppm. Conclusion: Although the tyrosinase inhibition activity of cantigi leaf extract is lower than that of the positive control, the findings demonstrate its potential as a natural active ingredient for skin-brightening cosmetic products. Further research is recommended to isolate the main active compounds and enhance effectiveness through innovative formulations for optimized use in topical cosmetic preparations.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Christian, Y. E., Rachmawati, P., Susanto, S., & Setiawansyah, A. (2025). The Potential of Cantigi Leaves Extract (Vaccinium varingiaefolium Miq.) as a Skin-Lightening Agent Through Tyrosinase Enzyme Inhibition. Ad-Dawaa’ Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 8(2), 271–282. https://doi.org/10.24252/djps.v8i2.61520

Issue

Vol. 8 No.2 (2025)

Section

Artikel

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Copyright (c) 2026 Yulius Evan Christian, Putriana Rachmawati, Sharon Susanto, Arif Setiawansyah

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