Kojic acid scavenges free radicals while potentiating leukocyte functions including free radical generation

Yukie Niwa, Hirohiko Akamatsu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The effects of kojic acid, a compound that suppresses melanogenesis and is widely consumed in the Japanese diet with the belief that it is beneficial to health, were investigated on several aspects of leukocyte function. Kojic acid significantly decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (O2-), H2O2, OH) generated by neutrophil and by a cell-free ROS-generating system. In contrast, it significantly enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis and ROS generation, and lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by phytohemagglutinin. In addition, calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i in human neutrophils was increased in the presence of kojic acid. These results suggest that kojic acid is a favorable agent in terms of host defense in that it enhances a number of activities of leukocytes, but scavenges ROS excessively released from cells or generated in the tissues or blood vessels that are potentially injurious to host tissues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)303-315
Number of pages13
JournalInflammation
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 08-1991
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Kojic acid scavenges free radicals while potentiating leukocyte functions including free radical generation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this