Analysis and Anti-Oxidant, Tyrosinase- and Elastase-Inhibiting Activities of Isolated Compounds from Cornus Officinalis Sieboldet Zuccarini Seeds

Cornus officinalis fruits have long been used to treat many ailments such as kidney dysfunction, pain, and diabetes in Asia; however, the seeds of Cornus officinalis are discarded. In this study, activity-guided isolation of Cornus officinalis seeds led to the isolation and characterization of five compounds: betulinic acid (1), ursolic acid (2), gallic acid (3), 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (4), and 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (5). The DPPH radical-scavenging, tyrosinase-inhibiting, and elastase-inhibiting activities of these five compounds, in addition to their effects on the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts were assessed. Compounds 3, 4, and 5 showed the most potent anti-oxidative activities. Gallotannins (compounds 4 and 5) had relatively potent whitening activity. Compounds 1 and 2 showed the most potent elastase inhibition. This is the first known study to demonstrate the cosmetic effects of compounds isolated from Cornus officinalis seeds.