Introduction:Melanogenesis, the process responsible for melanin production,
is a critical determinant of skin pigmentation. Dysregulation of this process can
lead to hyperpigmentation disorders.Method:In this study, we identified a novel Reed Rhizome extract, (1'S, 2'S)-syringyl
glycerol 3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (compound 5), and evaluated its anti-melanogenic
potential in zebrafish models and in vitro assays. Compound 5 inhibited melanin synthesis
by 36.66% ± 14.00% and tyrosinase in vivo by 48.26% ± 6.94%, surpassing the inhibitory
effects of arbutin. Network pharmacological analysis revealed key targets, including
HSP90AA1, HRAS, and PIK3R1, potentially involved in the anti-melanogenic
effects of compound 5.Results:Molecular docking studies supported the interactions between compound 5 and
these targets. Further, gene expression analysis in zebrafish indicated that compound 5
up-regulates hsp90aa1.1, hrasa, and pik3r1, and subsequently down-regulating mitfa,
tyr, and tyrp1, critical genes in melanogenesis.Conclusion:These findings suggest that compound 5 inhibits melanin production via
PI3K-Akt and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathways, positioning it as a promising candidate
for the treatment of hyperpigmentation.