The significance of arbutin and its derivatives in therapy and cosmetics

The ongoing studies on biological activity of arbutin and its derivatives show a wide range of their possible applications. Arbutin containing plant substances are used mostly in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI). However, several in vitro and in vivo studies revealed anti-melanogenic activity of arbutin, which can be useful in hyperpigmentation therapy. Moreover, it was found that the modifications in arbutin structure lead to an increase of the above-mentioned activity. The lack of significant adverse effects of arbutin and its derivatives makes them a valuable alternative to hydroquinone. Therefore, an increasing interest in arbutin and its derivatives is observed especially in the cosmetics industry. The scope of biological activity covered by the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies on arbutin and its derivatives are discussed. (C) 2015 Phytochemical Society of Europe. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.