Cucumber‐Derived Exosome‐Like Vesicles With Melanin‐Inhibitory Activity and an Acceptable in Vitro Safety Profile
Journal
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Journal Volume
25
Journal Issue
6
ISSN
1473-2130
1473-2165
Date Issued
2026-06
Author(s)
Abstract
Background
Skin hyperpigmentation disorders affect millions worldwide, driving demand for depigmentation products. However, many conventional skin‐lightening products contain dangerous ingredients, including mercury and unregulated hydroquinone.
Aims
Plant‐derived exosome‐like vesicles represent promising natural therapeutic agents due to their biocompatibility and ability to deliver bioactive compounds. This study aimed to isolate and characterize cucumber‐derived exosome‐like vesicles (cEVs) and evaluate their melanin‐inhibitory effects and biosafety profile.
Methods
Cucumber‐derived exosomes were isolated using differential centrifugation, filtration, and ultrafiltration. Physicochemical characterization was performed using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SDS‐PAGE. The vesicular identity of purified cEVs was further validated by immunoblotting for established plant EV marker proteins PEN1 and TET8. Cytotoxicity and melanin‐inhibitory effects were assessed in MNT‐1 human melanoma cells. Melanogenic gene and protein expression of tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (TRP‐1) were assessed by qRT‐PCR and immunoblotting, respectively.
Results
Purified cEVs exhibited physicochemical and morphological characteristics consistent with plant‐derived extracellular vesicles, including a mean diameter of 106.7 ± 1.4 nm, spherical morphology, intact membrane structures, and detectable expression of plant EV marker proteins PEN1 and TET8. The cEVs demonstrated no detectable cytotoxicity within the tested concentration range across concentrations of 3.9 × 108 to 2.5 × 1010 particles/mL (> 95% MNT‐1 cell viability; 99.9% reconstructed human epidermis viability; classified as non‐irritating per UN GHS criteria). At the highest concentration, cEVs reduced melanin to approximately 75% of control, comparable to kojic acid and α‐arbutin, with immunoblotting confirming dose‐dependent downregulation of TYR protein expression consistent with the observed melanin‐inhibitory activity.
Conclusions
Cucumber‐derived exosome‐like vesicles demonstrate concentration‐dependent melanin‐inhibitory activity without detectable cytotoxicity or skin irritation within the tested conditions, warranting further investigation as candidate naturally‐derived alternatives to conventional skin‐lightening products, warranting further preclinical investigation.
Subjects
cucumber‐derived exosomes
melanin inhibition
plant‐derived nanovesicles
skin depigmentation
Publisher
Wiley
Type
journal article