Bioactive phytochemicals from the tubers of Bletilla striata Rchb.f.

Thirty-four phytochemicals were isolated from dry tubers of Rchb.f. The compounds were classified as bibenzyls -, dihydrophenanthrenes , , , , phenanthrenes , , , simple benzoids -, a fatty acid , glucosyloxybenzyl 2-isobutylmalates -, and glucosyloxybenzyl cinnamates , . Compounds -, , , , , and inhibited melanogenesis (17.96-55.27%) induced by α-MSH in B16F10 cells at 10-40 μM. However, compounds , , , , and exhibited significant cytotoxicity against melanomas, with IC values of 12-34 μM. Additionally, compounds , , , , , , and reduced the ROS generation induced by HO in HaCaT cells at 6.25-100 μM. In particular, compounds , , and strongly inhibited ROS generation, with IC values of 2.15-9.48 μM. Consequently, compounds -, -, and - may be the strongest leads to follow in extract for further research on the skin disorders, hyperpigmentation, melanoma, and ageing.