A post-Amadori inhibitor pyridoxamine also inhibits chemical modification of proteins by scavenging carbonyl intermediates of carbohydrate and lipid degradation.

Reactive carbonyl compounds are formed during autoxidation of carbohydrates and peroxidation of lipids. These compounds are intermediates in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and advanced lipoxidation end products (ALE) in tissue proteins during aging and in chronic disease. We studied the reaction of carbonyl compounds glyoxal (GO) and glycolaldehyde (GLA) with pyridoxamine (PM), a potent post-Amadori inhibitor of AGE formation in vitro and of development of renal and retinal pathology in diabetic animals. PM reacted rapidly with GO and GLA in neutral, aqueous buffer, forming a Schiff base intermediate that cyclized to a hemiaminal adduct by intramolecular reaction with the phenolic hydroxyl group of PM. This bicyclic intermediate dimerized to form a five-ring compound with a central piperazine ring, which was characterized by electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, NMR, and x-ray crystallography. PM also inhibited the modification of lysine residues and loss of enzymatic activity of RNase in the presence of GO and GLA and inhibited formation of the AGE/ALE N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine during reaction of GO and GLA with bovine serum albumin. Our data suggest that the AGE/ALE inhibitory activity and the therapeutic effects of PM observed in diabetic animal models depend, at least in part, on its ability to trap reactive carbonyl intermediates in AGE/ALE formation, thereby inhibiting the chemical modification of tissue proteins.     

类黄酮化合物对糖基化反应终产物AGE的抑制作用

本研究比较了芸香苷 (G Rutin)、地奥明糖苷 (G Diosmin)、柚苷 (G Naringin)、橘皮苷 (G Hes peridin)对蛋白质糖基化反应的终产物AGE包括荧光性AGE、CML、Pentosidine的抑制作用。结果表明 ,各种类黄酮化合物对荧光性AGE、CML均有抑制作用 ,其抑制效果依次为芸香苷、地奥明糖苷、柚苷、橘皮苷 ,且比氨基胍的抑制作用相对持久。在对Pentosidine的抑制作用中 ,地奥明糖苷、柚苷、橘皮苷仅有微弱的抑制作用 ,而芸香苷则相反有一个促进作用。这可能是由于Pentosidine的生成路径与荧光性AGE和CML有所不同 ,有待进一步探讨。类黄酮化合物对AGE的抑制机理与其抗氧化性、消自由基作用有关。根据实验结果 ,笔者认为 ,芸香苷、地奥明糖苷、柚苷、橘皮苷等化合物对蛋白质的糖基化反应有抑制作用 ,并且这种抑制作用主要发生在蛋白质糖基化反应的前期阶段     

Tomato paste fraction inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end-products

A water-soluble and low-molecular-weight fraction (SB) was obtained from tomato paste. The effects of SB on the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) in protein glycation were studied by the methods of specific fluorescence, ELISA and a Western blot analysis, using the anti-AGE antibody after incubating protein with sugar. The results suggest that SB had strong inhibitory activity, in comparison with aminoguanidine as a positive control, and that the inhibitory mechanism of SB differed from that of aminoguanidine to involve trapping of reactive dicarbonyl intermediates in the early stage of glycation. SB contained an antioxidant, rutin, which showed potent inhibitory activity. The results also suggest that rutin chiefly contributed to inhibiting the formation of AGE, and that other compounds in SB may also have been related to the activity.     

Antioxidant and antiglycation properties of Hydnora johannis roots

Natural extracts or compounds that possess both antioxidant and antiglycation activities might have great therapeutic potential for treating diabetic complications. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antiglycation properties of aqueous and EtOH (70%) extracts as well as three isolated compounds (protocatechuic acid, catechin and vanillin) from Hydnora johannis (Hydnoraceae) roots. The antioxidant activity of both extracts and isolated compounds was tested by measuring their capacity to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals. The glucose-induced advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation of the extracts and isolated compounds was also carried out using in vitro glucose-bovine serum albumin (BSA-glucose) assay. Results showed that the ethanolic (70%) extract as well as isolated protocatechuic acid and catechin exhibited strong antioxidant and inhibitory effect of AGE formation. Thus, H. johannis roots with its high amount of protocatechuic acid (≈ 3.75 mg/100 g) and catechin (≈ 26.9 mg/100 g) could be a natural candidate for studies of herbal complement to diabetes treatment since it combines antioxidant and anti-AGE formation activities.     

Structural and functional characterization of polyphenols isolated from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit

Two anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside (C3R) and pelargonidin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside (P3R), and quercitrin (quercetin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside), were isolated from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit. These polyphenols were evaluated based on the functional properties associated with diabetes mellitus or its complications, that is, on the radical scavenging activity and the inhibitory effect on both alpha-glucosidase and advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation. C3R and quercitrin revealed strong radical scavenging activity. While the inhibitory profiles of isolated polyphenols except quercitrin towards alpha-glucosidase activity were low, all polyphenols strongly inhibited AGE formation.     

Synthesis and evaluation of novel 2,3,5-triaryl-4H,2,3,3a,5,6,6a-hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-d]isoxazole-4,6-diones for advanced glycation end product formation inhibitory activity

The synthesis of some biologically interesting pyrrolo-isoxazolidine derivatives was accomplished by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of substituted azomethine N-oxides 1 with substituted N-aryl maleimides 2 leading to the formation of new stereoisomeric 2,3,5-triaryl-4H,2,3,3a,5,6,6a-hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-d]isoxazole-4,6-dione derivatives 3 in excellent yields. The synthesized compounds have been screened for their advanced glycation end (AGE) product formation inhibitory activity on the basis of their ability to inhibit the formation of AGEs in the bovine serum albumin (BSA)-glucose assay. All the synthesized compounds have been found to exhibit significant activity against AGE formation.     

Novel inhibitors of advanced glycation endproducts

A number of natural or synthetic compounds as AGE inhibitors have been proposed, discovered or currently being advanced by others and us. We have identified two new classes of aromatic compounds; aryl- (and heterocyclic) ureido and aryl (and heterocyclic) carboxamido phenoxyisobutyric acids, and benzoic acid derivatives and related compounds, as potential inhibitors of glycation and AGE formation. Some of these novel compounds also showed "AGE-breaking" activities in vitro. Current evidence is that chelation of transition metals and/or trapping or indirect inhibition of formation of reactive carbonyl compounds are involved in the mechanisms of action of these novel AGE inhibitors and breakers. Here, we review the inhibitors of glycation and AGE-breakers published to date and present the results of our in vitro and in vivo investigations on a number of these novel AGE inhibitors. These AGE-inhibitors and AGE-breakers may find therapeutic use in the treatment of diseases that AGE formation and accumulation may be responsible for their pathogenesis such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis.     

Highly Oxygenated Labdane Diterpenoids from Stevia rebaudiana and Their Anti-Atherosclerosis Activities

Five unknown labdane diterpenoids Stevelins A–E ( 1–5 ), three known labdane diterpenoids ( 6–8 ) and three labdane norditerpenoids ( 9–11 ) were isolated from the Stevia rebaudiana. The structures were determined primarily via NMR spectroscopic data and HR-ESI-MS experiments. X-ray crystallography using CuK_α radiation was used to determine the absolute configurations of 1 , and the absolute configurations of 2–5 were deduced by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The potential anti-atherosclerosis activities of all compounds were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effects on the macrophage foam cell formation. As a result, most isolated compounds could significantly inhibit oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage foam cell formation, which suggests that these compounds may be promising candidates in the treatment for atherosclerosis.     

AGE-breakers cleave model compounds,but do not break Maillard crosslinks in skin and tail collagen from diabetic rats

Advanced glycation end products (AGE), formed by nonenzymatic Maillard reactions between carbohydrate and protein, contribute to the increase in chemical modification and crosslinking of tissue proteins with age. Acceleration of AGE formation in collagen during hyperglycemia, with resultant effects on vascular elasticity and basement membrane permeability, is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. AGE-breakers, such as N-phenacylthiazolium (PTB) and N-phenacyl-4,5-dimethylthiazolium (PMT) halides, have been proposed as therapeutic agents for reversing the increase in protein crosslinking in aging and diabetes. We have confirmed that these compounds, as well as the AGE-inhibitor pyridoxamine (PM), cleave the model AGE crosslink, phenylpropanedione, and have studied the effects of these compounds in reversing the increased crosslinking of skin and tail collagen isolated from diabetic rats. Crosslinking of skin collagen, measured as the half-time for solubilization of collagen by pepsin in 0.5M acetic acid, was increased approximately 5-fold in diabetic, compared to nondiabetic rats. Crosslinking of tail tendon collagen, measured as insolubility in 0.05 N acetic acid, was increased approximately 10-fold. Collagen preparations were incubated in the presence or absence of AGE-breakers or PM in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, for 24h at 37 degrees C. These treatments did not decrease the half-time for solubilization of diabetic skin collagen by pepsin or increase the acid solubility of diabetic tail tendon collagen. We conclude that, although AGE-breakers and PM cleave model crosslinks, they do not significantly cleave AGE crosslinks formed in vivo in skin collagen of diabetic rats.     

Novel inhibitors of glycation and AGE formation

Accelerated formation of advanced glycation/lipoxidation and endproducts (AGEs/ALEs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diabetic complications. Several natural and synthetic compounds have been proposed and tested as inhibitors of AGE/ALE formation. We have previously reported the therapeutic effects of several new AGE/ALE inhibitors on the prevention of nephropathy and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of a compound, LR-90, on the progression of renal disease and its effects on AGE and receptor for AGE (RAGE) protein expression on the kidneys of diabetic STZ-rats. Diabetic male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with or without LR-90 (0, 5, 20, 25, and 50 mg/l of drinking water). After 32 weeks, body weight, glycemic status, renal function, and plasma lipids were measured. Kidney histopathology and AGE/ALE accumulation and RAGE protein expression in tissues were also determined. In vitro studies were also performed to determine the possible mechanism of action of LR-90 in inhibiting AGE formation and AGE-protein cross-linking. LR-90 protected the diabetic kidneys by inhibiting the increase in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and ameliorated hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats in a concentration-dependent fashion without any effects on hyperglycemia. LR-90 treatment also reduced kidney AGE/ALE accumulation and RAGE protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner. In vitro, LR-90 exhibited general antioxidant properties by inhibiting metal-catalyzed reactions and reactive oxygen species (^·OH radical) and reactive carbonyl species (methlyglyoxal, glyoxal) generations without any effect on pyridoxal 5′ phosphate. The compound also prevents AGE-protein cross-linking reactions. These findings demonstrate the bioefficacy of LR-90 in treating nephropathy and hyperlipidemia in diabetic animals by inhibiting AGE accumulation, RAGE protein expression, and protein oxidation in the diabetic kidney. Additionally, our study suggests that LR-90 may be useful also to delay the onset and progression of diabetic atherosclerosis as the compound can inhibit the expression of RAGE and inflammation-related pathology, as well as prevent lipid peroxidation reactions.     

Quercetin inhibits advanced glycation end product formation via chelating metal ions,trapping methylglyoxal,and trapping reactive oxygen species

Physiological concentration of Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ accelerated AGE formation only in glucose-mediated conditions, which was effectively inhibited by chelating ligands. Only quercetin (10) inhibited MGO-mediated AGE formation as well as glucose- and ribose-mediated AGE formation among 10 polyphenols (1–10) tested. We performed an additional structure-activity relationship (SAR) study on flavanols (10, 11, 12, 13, and 14). Morin (12) and kaempherol (14) showed inhibitory activity against MGO-mediated AGE formation, whereas rutin (11) and fisetin (13) did not. These observations indicate that 3,5,7,4′-tetrahydroxy and 4-keto groups of 10 are important to yield newly revised mono-MGO adducts (16 and 17) and di-MGO adduct (18) having cyclic hemiacetals, while 3′-hydroxy group is not essential. We propose here a comprehensive inhibitory mechanism of 10 against AGE formation including chelation effect, trapping of MGO, and trapping of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to oxidative degradation of 18 to 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (15) and other fragments.     

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of the 14 kDa protein isolated from aged garlic extract on dendritic cells

Garlic is used all over the world for treatment of different diseases. A wide range of biological activities of garlic has been verified in vitro and in vivo. One of major proteins of garlic which has been isolated and purified is the 14 kDa protein. This protein has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In this study, the effect of the 14 kDa protein isolated from aged garlic extract (AGE) was investigated on maturation and immunomodulatory activity of dendritic cells (DC). Proteins were purified from AGE by biochemical method; the semi-purified 14 kDa protein was run on gel filtration Sephadex G50 and its purity was checked by SDS–PAGE. DC were isolated from spleen of BALB/c mice by Nycodenz centrifugation and their adhesiveness to plastic dish. 14 kDa protein from AGE was added to overnight culture of DC medium and the expression percentage of CD40, CD86, and MHC-II was evaluated by flowcytometric analysis. Also, proliferation of T-cells was measured by allogenic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) test. The purified 14 kDa protein isolated from AGE increased the expression of CD40 molecule on DC, but it did not influence CD86 and MHCII molecules. Furthermore, no significant differences were noticed in the pulsed-DC with 14 kDa protein and non-pulsed DC on the MLR.     

Prevention and reversible solubilization of advanced glycation and products (AGE) by organic germanium compounds as derivatives of amino acids

Summary The amino-carbonyl reaction (The Maillard reaction) of bovine lens crystallin, serum albumin or skin collagen with glucose was investigated to find effective means to prevent the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE) and induce the reversible solubilization of polymerized glycated proteins. The organic germanium compounds (Ge-132, 373, 385), derivatives of amino acids containing germanium as the linker of framework, were combined by the box titration method to determine the dose that would be most effective, compared with Aminoguanidine-HCl (AMG),-tocopherol (VE), and pirenoxine (Catalin-K, CK). Although AMG suppressed the formation of AGE, effective concentrations were higher than 20 mM. Ge-385, when administered by itself at a low dose, induced the reversible solubilization of AGE made from crystallin, and albumin. The addition of any two reagents such as AMG, VE, CK and Ge-132 or 385 together to proteins lessened the effective range, and the peaks of smaller molecules in the profiles of HPLC and PAGE were quite remarkable. Examination was made of the effects of Ge-132 on the eyes of SAM mice, which show senescence accelerated cataracts at a relatively young age. The prevention of cataract-genesis and induction of reversible transparency of turbid lenses became evident following the administration of Ge-132 to the eyes 4 times a day. The mode of action of organic germanium compounds was demonstrated quite capable of disconnecting the sugar-parts from AGE by decarbonylation, resulting in the formation of glucosone and amino residues, and further leading subsequently to fewer AGE.Abbreviations used in this paper: BLC bovine lens crystallin; BSA bovine serum albumin; AsCol acid soluble bovine skin collagen type III; AGE advanced glycation end products; Ge-132 2-Carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide, Ge-373 2-Carboxy-2-amino-6-phenyl germanium sesquioxide; Ge-385 2-Carboxy-ethyl-2-aminogermanium sesquioxide; AMG or AG aminoguanidine-HCl; V. E. vitamin E or-tocopherol; CK 1-Hydroxy-5-oxo-5H-pyrido [3, 2-a] phenoxazine-3-carboxylic acid or catalin-K or pirenoxine; PACE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SAM senescence accelerated mouse; HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography; SDS sodium laurylsulfate; FT fructose-p-toluidine.     

Isolation, structural elucidation and immunomodulatory activity of fructans from aged garlic extract

Traditionally, garlic (Allium sativum) is known to be a significant immune booster. Aged garlic extract (AGE) possesses superior immunomodulatory effects than raw garlic; these effects are attributed to the transformed organosulfur compounds. AGE is also known to contain fructans; the amount of fructans in AGE represents a small fraction (0.22%) of the total fructans in raw garlic. In order to evaluate the biological activity of fructans present in AGE, both high molecular weight (>3.5 kDa; HF) and low molecular weight (<3 kDa; LF) fructans were isolated. The structures of purified HF and LF from AGE determined by (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectroscopy revealed that both have (2→1) β-D-fructofuranosyl bonds linked to a terminal glucose at the non-reducing end and β-D-fructofuranosyl branching on its backbone. Biological activity of fructans was assessed by immunostimulatory activity using murine lymphocytes and peritoneal exudate cells (source of macrophages). Both HF and LF displayed mitogenic activity and activation of macrophages including phagocytosis. These activities were comparable to that of known polysaccharide immunomodulators such as zymosan and mannan. This study clearly demonstrates that garlic fructans also contribute to the immunomodulatory properties of AGE, and is the first such study on the biological effects of garlic fructans.     

Inhibition of Translation and 50S Ribosomal Subunit Formation in Staphylococcus aureus Cells by 11 Different Ketolide Antibiotics

Eleven structurally similar ketolide antibiotics were tested at a concentration of 1 μg/ml for their relative inhibitory effects on growth and ribosome activities in Staphylococcus aureus cells. Ten of the compounds examined had an inhibitory effect on protein synthesis at this concentration and eight of the 11 compounds were also effective inhibitors of the formation of the 50S ribosomal subunit. All of the drugs tested inhibited protein synthesis to a greater extent than they affected 50S subunit formation. The decline in growth rate and cell number was proportional to the effect on ribosome formation and function. The growth of an ermC erythromycin-resistant strain of S. aureus was also significantly inhibited by nine ketolide compounds, suggesting that they were not inducers of methylase gene expression. These inhibitory activities can be related to structural differences between these ketolide antibiotics. Received: 6 May 1998 / Accepted: 27 July 1998     

白花地胆草的抗菌活性成分研究

从白花地胆草(Elephantopus tomentosus Linn.)全草的乙醇提取物中分离得到9个化合物,通过波谱分析,鉴定其结构分别为:表木栓醇(1)、羽扇豆醇(2)、6-deoxyisojacreubin(3)、桦木酸(4)、熊果酸(5)、阿魏酸(6)、3-甲酰吲哚(7)、半夏酸(8)和30-醛基羽扇豆醇(9)。所有化合物均为首次从白花地胆草中分离得到。用滤纸片琼脂扩散法测定上述化合物的抗菌活性,结果表明,化合物6和7对金黄色葡萄球菌的生长有抑制作用,化合物6和8对烟草青枯病菌的生长有抑制作用。     

Garlic Revisited: Antimicrobial Activity of Allicin-Containing Garlic Extracts against Burkholderia cepacia Complex

The antimicrobial activities of garlic and other plant alliums are primarily based on allicin, a thiosulphinate present in crushed garlic bulbs. We set out to determine if pure allicin and aqueous garlic extracts (AGE) exhibit antimicrobial properties against the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), the major bacterial phytopathogen for alliums and an intrinsically multiresistant and life-threatening human pathogen. We prepared an AGE from commercial garlic bulbs and used HPLC to quantify the amount of allicin therein using an aqueous allicin standard (AAS). Initially we determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the AGE against 38 Bcc isolates; these MICs ranged from 0.5 to 3% (v/v). The antimicrobial activity of pure allicin (AAS) was confirmed by MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays against a smaller panel of five Bcc isolates; these included three representative strains of the most clinically important species, B. cenocepacia. Time kill assays, in the presence of ten times MIC, showed that the bactericidal activity of AGE and AAS against B. cenocepacia C6433 correlated with the concentration of allicin. We also used protein mass spectrometry analysis to begin to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of allicin with a recombinant form of a thiol-dependent peroxiredoxin (BCP, Prx) from B. cenocepacia. This revealed that AAS and AGE modifies an essential BCP catalytic cysteine residue and suggests a role for allicin as a general electrophilic reagent that targets protein thiols. To our knowledge, we report the first evidence that allicin and allicin-containing garlic extracts possess inhibitory and bactericidal activities against the Bcc. Present therapeutic options against these life-threatening pathogens are limited; thus, allicin-containing compounds merit investigation as adjuncts to existing antibiotics.     

Effect of pyridoxamine on chemical modification of proteins by carbonyls in diabetic rats: characterization of a major product from the reaction of pyridoxamine and methylglyoxal

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) from the Maillard reaction contribute to protein aging and the pathogenesis of age- and diabetes-associated complications. The alpha-dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal (MG) is an important intermediate in AGE synthesis. Recent studies suggest that pyridoxamine inhibits formation of advanced glycation and lipoxidation products. We wanted to determine if pyridoxamine could inhibit MG-mediated Maillard reactions and thereby prevent AGE formation. When lens proteins were incubated with MG at 37 degrees C, pH 7.4, we found that pyridoxamine inhibits formation of methylglyoxal-derived AGEs concentration dependently. Pyridoxamine reduces MG levels in red blood cells and plasma and blocks formation of methylglyoxal-lysine dimer in plasma proteins from diabetic rats and it prevents pentosidine (an AGE derived from sugars) from forming in plasma proteins. Pyridoxamine also decreases formation of protein carbonyls and thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances in plasma proteins from diabetic rats. Pyridoxamine treatment did not restore erythrocyte glutathione (which was reduced by almost half) in diabetic animals, but it enhanced erythrocyte glyoxalase I activity. We isolated a major product of the reaction between MG and pyridoxamine and identified it as methylglyoxal-pyridoxamine dimer. Our studies show that pyridoxamine reduces oxidative stress and AGE formation. We suspect that a direct interaction of pyridoxamine with MG partly accounts for AGE inhibition.     

甘蔗内生解淀粉芽孢杆菌CGB15的分离、鉴定及生防活性

真菌病害占作物病害种类的一半以上,病原真菌是目前已知种类最多的作物病原菌。从作物根际与/或体内分离筛选具有生防活性的微生物,并应用于病害的防控,是除作物品种改良与化学防治外的另一种高效的病害防控策略。【目的】本研究拟筛选并分离鉴定对重要作物病原真菌具有拮抗作用的甘蔗内生细菌,为开发生物防治作物真菌病害新策略提供理论依据。【方法】采用平板对峙法初步筛选对病原真菌具有拮抗能力的甘蔗叶片内生细菌,通过16SrRNA基因测序鉴定其种属;进一步检测候选拮抗内生细菌对甘蔗鞭孢堆黑粉菌(Sporisorium scitamineum)致病发育过程关键步骤：有性配合/菌丝生长、冬孢子萌发的抑制率,田间试验检测其对甘蔗鞭黑穗病的防治效果;检测候选拮抗内生细菌对稻梨孢菌(Pyricularia oryzae)附着胞形成、离体叶片及盆栽条件下叶片病斑形成的抑制作用。【结果】分离自甘蔗叶片的细菌菌株,编号为CGB15,经分子鉴定为解淀粉芽孢杆菌(Bacillus amyloliquefaciens)。CGB15菌株能有效抑制甘蔗鞭孢堆黑粉菌有性配合/菌丝生长,对峙培养条件下使真菌菌落呈现光滑;抑制冬孢子萌发,...     

Antioxidation and Tyrosinase Inhibition of Polyphenolic Curcumin Analogs

A series of polyphenolic curcumin analogs were synthesized and their inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase and the inhibition of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical formation were evaluated. The results indictated that the analogs possessing m-diphenols and o-diphenols exhibited more potent inhibitory activity on tyrosinase than reference compound rojic acid, and that the analogs with o-diphenols exhibited more potent inhibitory activity of DPPH free-radical formation than reference compound vitamin C. The inhibition kinetics, analyzed by Lineweaver–Burk plots, revealed that compounds B₂ and C₂ bearing o-diphenols were non-competitive inhibitors, while compounds B₁₁ and C₁₁ bearing m-diphenols were competitive inhibitors. In particular, representative compounds C₂ and B₁₁ showed no side effects at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg in a preliminary evaluation of acute toxicity in mice. These results suggest that such polyphenolic curcumin analogs might serve as lead compounds for further design of new potential tyrosinase inhibitors.