A research group led by Professor Mitsunori Fukuda at Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences has conducted a joint research with KOSÉ on a transport mechanism of melanin pigments.  In this study, the research group found out that Cassia mimosoides L., known as healthful tea, has an effect to block melanosome transport in melanocytes.  Essence of Cassia mimosoides L. helps prevent transport and accumulation of melanin to keratinocytes by reducing the amount of melanosome transport regulators in melanocytes.  An application of the essence to skin-lightening products will be expected.
 
More information in Japanese (KOSÉ’s website) 

[Contact]
Professor Mitsunori Fukuda
Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking Mechanisms, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences
Tel: +81-22-795-7731, FAX: +81-22-795-7733