Arbutin is a glycoside hydroquinone originally found in Bergenia and Arctostaphylos that inhibits tyrosinase. Arbutin decreases melanin production and is commercially used in skin-lightening products. Arbutin also inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2).
| Cas No. | 497-76-7 |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥98% |
| Formula | C12H16O7 |
| Formula Wt. | 272.25 |
| Chemical Name | 4-Hydroxyphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside |
| IUPAC Name | (2R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)oxane-3,4,5-triol |
| Synonym | Hydroquinone glucose; Arbutoside; Ursin |
| Melting Point | 199-200°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water (55mg/mL), DMSO (55mg/mL) and alcohol. |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Store Temp | Ambient |
|---|---|
| Ship Temp | Ambient |
| MSDS | A6804 MSDS PDF |
|---|---|
| Info Sheet | A6804 Info Sheet PDF |
Inoue Y, Hasegawa S, Yamada T, et al. Analysis of the effects of hydroquinone and arbutin on the differentiation of melanocytes. Biol Pharm Bull. 2013;36(11):1722-30. PMID: 24189417.
Lim YJ, Lee EH, Kang TH, et al. Inhibitory effects of arbutin on melanin biosynthesis of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced hyperpigmentation in cultured brownish guinea pig skin tissues. Arch Pharm Res. 2009 Mar;32(3):367-73. PMID: 19387580.
Oliver AE, Crowe LM, de Araujo PS, et al. Arbutin inhibits PLA2 in partially hydrated model systems. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1996 Jul 12;1302(1):69-78. PMID: 8695657.
