Arbutin

Arbutin is a naturally occurring glucoside that can be extracted from Uvae uris folium, the leaves of bearberry. It is also found in other plant species such as Ericaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Caprifoliaceae etc. As a hydroquinone derivative it has an inhibitory effect on melanogenesis in externals (it is not uncommon to find extracts of bearberry leaves in (natural) cosmetics), i.e. it has skin lightening effects. Arbutin is hydrolytically split into hydroquinone and glucose in the organism.
Arbutin is also contained in the leaves of the cranberry bush.

1. Crocco EI et al (2015) A novel cream formulation
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5. Morag M et al (2015) A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Serratulae quinquefoliae folium, a new source of β-arbutin, in selected skin hyperpigmentations. J Cosmet Dermatol 14:185-190.
6. Wu SY et al (2015) 4-(Phenylsulfanyl)butane-2-One Suppresses Melanin Synthesis and Melanosome Maturation In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 16:20240-2057.