Arbutin is a monosaccharide derivative that is hydroquinone attached to a beta-D-glucopyranosyl residue at position 4 via a glycosidic linkage. It has a role as a plant metabolite and an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is a beta-D-glucoside and a monosaccharide derivative. It is functionally related to a hydroquinone. Arbutin is a tyrosinase inhibitor with an IC50 of 1.09 mM, which has gastroprotective, whitening, anti- age, anti-oxidant , anti-inflammatory, a depigmenting effects and UVB/ UVC filter. Arbutin has mutagenicity in mammalian cells after activation by human intestinal bacteria. Arbutin (β - Arbutin) is a widely present natural polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Arbutin is a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase in melanocytes, with a Kiapp value of 1.42 mM for monophenolase and 0.9 mM for diphenolase. Arbutin is also used as a decolorizer.

Silydianin, an active constituent of Silybium marianum, has inhibitory effect on on the in vitro production and release of oxidative products. Silydianin has possible antiinflammatory activity, which regulates caspase-3 activation, affects cell membranes and acts as a free radical scavenger.

Beta-benzoyloxypaeoniflorin is a monoterpene glycoside with formula C30H32O13, isolated from several species of Paeoniae. It has a role as a platelet aggregation inhibitor, an EC 1.14.18.1 (tyrosinase) inhibitor and a plant metabolite. It is a beta-D-glucoside, a bridged compound, a lactol, an O-acyl carbohydrate, a cyclic acetal, a monoterpene glycoside and a 4-hydroxybenzoate ester.

Swertiajaponin possesses antimicrobial activity.

Mulberroside F shows inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity and on the melanin formation of melan-a cells, it also exhibits superoxide scavenging activity that is involved in the protection against auto-oxidation, suggests that mulberroside F may be used as a skin whitening agent.