Effects of boldine on tyrosinase: Inhibition kinetics and computational simulation

Boldine is one of the most potent natural antioxidants and displays some important pharmacological activities, such as cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Based on its antioxidant properties, we studied the effects of boldine on l-DOPA oxidation by evaluating the inhibitory kinetics and a computational simulation between boldine and tyrosinase. Boldine reversibly inhibited tyrosinase from mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) in a mixed-type manner, with a Ki = 7.203 ± 0.933 mM. To gain insight into the inactivation process, we computed the kinetics via time-interval measurements and continuous substrate reactions. The results indicated that the inactivation induced by boldine was a first-order reaction with biphasic processes and that the substrate can promote the inactivation process. To gain further insight, we performed computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations, and the results showed that boldine can interact with several residues near the tyrosinase active site. Our study provides insight into the inhibition of tyrosinase in response to alkaloids. Based on its tyrosinase-inhibiting effect and low toxicity, boldine is a potential natural anti-pigmentation agent.

► The new role of boldine as an inhibitor of tyrosinase.
► Integrating study of computational simulations and enzymology.
► The detailed mechanism of boldine to affect activity and conformation on tyrosinase.
► The potential usage of boldine via inhibiting tyrosinase.