Synthesis of Karahanaenone Derivatives and Their Inhibition Properties toward Tyrosinase and Superoxide Scavenging Activity^†

Abstract

Fourteen amides condensing with aminophenols, anisidines, or aniline were synthesized from karahanaenone 1 as the starting material. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity and superoxide scavenging activity of these derivatives were examined in order to develop whitening agents for cosmetics. Of the compounds, N-p-hydroxyphenyl-1,3,3,6-trimethyl-5-cyclohepten-2-on-1-carboxamide 9, 2-hydroxy-N-o-hydroxyphenyl-3,3,6-trimethyl-5-cyclohepten-1-carboxamide 13, and 2-hydroxy-N-p-hydroxyphenyl-3,3,6-trimethyl-5-cyclohepten-1-carboxamide 15 showed strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity. 13 and 5 possessed a hydroxy group in the karahana skeleton and on the aromatic ring, respectively. These inhibitory rates were higher than that of arbutin that is used for commercial cosmetics (77.4%, 73.6%, and 72.3% against 63.0% for arbutin). Furthermore, 13 indicated 51.0% for superoxide scavenging activity.