Kojic Acid Derivatives

Melanin is one of the most important pigments which exist ubiquitously from microorganisms to plants and animals. It is secreted by melanocyte cells and determines the color of skin and hair in mammalians. It protects the skin from photocarcinogenesis by absorbing UV sunlight and removing reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Gupta, 2006; Kim, 2005; Sapkota, 2011). It is formed by enzymatically catalyzed chemical reactions (Chang, 2009). The modifications in melanin biosynthesis occur in many disease states. The excessive level of melanin pigmentation causes various dermatological disorders including hyperpigmentations such as senile lentigo, melasma, postinflammatory melanoderma, freckles, ephelide, age spots and sites of actinic damage which can give rise to esthetic problems (Briganti, 2003; Curto, 1999). Hyperpigmentation usually becomes a big problem as people age because darker spots will start to be seen on the face, arms and body. Also, hormonal changes such as pregnancy and drugs manipulating hormone levels may cause hyperpigmentation.