Evaluation on skin irritation and sensitization of oxyresveratrol and oxyresveratrol-3-O-glucoside produced by biotransformation of Morus alba extract

Stilbenes are known as antioxidants and some of them demonstrate anti-pigmentation activity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether two stilbene compounds produced by biotransformation of the extract of Morus alba root show skin irritation and sensitization. In skin irritation test, 1% oxyresveratrol (OXY), and 5% OXY, and 1% oxyresveratrol-3-O-glucoside (OXY-3) showed a P.I.I score of 0, 0.04, and 0, respectively. Accordingly, the two stilbenes were evaluated to be virtually 'non-irritant' materials. In a skin sensitization study by GPMT, 1% OXY, 5% OXY, and 1% OXY-3 did not cause edema and erythema at 24 h and 48 h after topical application and exhibited a sensitization score of 0 and a rate of 0%. Consequently, it was confirmed that OXY and OXY-3 had no contact allergic sensitization in GPMT. Therefore, OXY and OXY-3 might be potential candidates as skin-whitening agents without posing any serious side effects.