p-Coumaric acid is an organic compound that is a hydroxyl derivative of cinnamic acid. Due to its multiple biological activities p-coumaric acid has been widely studied in biochemical and cellular systems and is also considered as a useful therapeutic candidate for various neuronal diseases. However, the efficacy of p-coumaric acid on zebrafish developmental regulation has not been fully explored. In this study, therefore, we first investigated the action mechanism of the p-coumaric acid on the zebrafish development in a whole-organism model. p-Coumaric acid treated group significantly inhibited the pigmentation of the developing zebrafish embryos compared with control embryos without any severe side effects. In addition, p-coumaric acid down-regulated more effectively in a lower concentration than the well-known zebrafish's melanogenic inhibitor, phenylthiourea. We also compared the molecular docking property of p-coumaric acid with phenylthiourea on the tyrosinase's kojic acid binding site, which is the key enzyme of zebrafish embryo pigmentation. Interestingly, p-coumaric acid interacted with higher numbers of the amino acid residues and exhibited a tight binding affinity to the enzyme than phenylthiourea. Taken all together, these results strongly suggest that p-coumaric acid inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, consequently down-regulating zebrafish embryo pigmentation, and might play an important role in the reduction of dermal pigmentation. Thus, p-coumaric acid can be an effective and non-toxic ingredient for anti-melanogenesis functional materials.

This study aimed to elucidate compounds from natural plant extracts with the potential to expand women's breast size and boost growth. These compounds should also possess the ability to activate female hormone receptor without any adverse effects on the human body. Since it is traditionally known to be effective in female hormone control and health care, Leonurus japonicus was chosen as a source of compounds with potential female breast enlargement and skin's elasticity-enhancing activity. It was also expected that Leonurine, the main ingredient of the Leonurus japonicus, possessed such bioactivity. The L. japonicus extract was obtained using a polar solvent after hydrothermal extraction, and nano-micelling composition (NXCL-4950) was utilized to ensure penetration of the osmotic extract into the skin and increase blood circulation. Based on the composition of the extract, this study suggests the possibility of developing a new remedy, to be used in the beauty industry, that can improve skin health and elasticity and blood circulation for women, to particularly enhance the shape and texture of breasts.