A lignin glycoside and a nortriterpenoid from Kadsura coccinea.

Aim: To study the chemical constituents of the roots and stem bark of Kadsura coccinea.

Method: Compounds were isolated by column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, and finally purified by prep-HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS.

Depigmentation effect of kadsuralignan F on melan-a murine melanocytes and human skin equivalents.

The development of melanogenic inhibitors is important for the prevention of hyperpigmentation, and, recently, consideration has been given to natural materials or traditionally used ingredients such as Chinese medicine. The aim of this study is the evaluation of a new anti-melanogenic candidate, kadsuralignan F, from the natural plant Kadsura coccinea, as well as the determination of mechanisms of melanogenesis inhibition at a molecular level. Kadsuralignan F significantly reduced melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner in a murine melanocyte cell line and human skin equivalents.