In 2023, we reported that anthricin, a natural product that belongs to the lignan family, enhances proteasome activity. However, whether this enhancement was because of increased proteasome expression or improved proteasome function remains unclear. This recent article demonstrates that anthricin binds to the proteasome and activates its protease activity but does not induce gene expression of the proteasome. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations predicted its binding pocket (see the figure. Blue: proteasome, Red: Anthricin). With this publication, Ichimaru Pharcos aims to expand sales in the global market shifting “skin whitening” to “skin brightening” with the cosmetic ingredient that have potential to realize borderless skin brightening.
JuniperBright (INCI: Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract) is a cosmetic ingredient for skin-brightening products of completely natural origin that focuses on lipofuscin formed in epidermal keratinocytes. Lipofuscin is an aggregate of denatured proteins and lipid peroxides that accumulate through aging and is one of the major causes of skin dullness. JuniperBright prevents/decreases the accumulation of lipofuscin by a dual mechanism, activation of proteasome and autophagy, respectively. As a result, JuniperBright clears skin dullness through a melanin-independent manner.
Learn more about “JuniperBright” here
