Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo anti-melanogenic activity of a newly synthesized strong tyrosinase inhibitor (E)-3-(2,4 dihydroxybenzylidene)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (3-DBP)

► We designed and synthesized 3-DBP as a potent tyrosinase inhibitor. ► The depigmenting effect of 3-DBP was resulted from inhibition of tyrosinase non-competitively. ► 3-DBP suppressed α-MSH induced melanin synthesis in B16 melanoma cells. ► 3-DBP showed great efficiency in reducing UVB-induced melanin synthesis in HRM2 hairless mouse in vivo model. ► 3-DBP can be an effective skin-whitening agent.