HKBU’s research finds novel derivatives from Chinese herbs Shi Hu can protect and lighten skin

Researchers from the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) have discovered that the natural compounds found in two orchid species can effectively lighten skin and protect it from damage.

Also commonly known as the Chinese medicinal herbs Shi Hu（石斛）, the two orchids – namely Dendrobium officinale（鐵皮石斛）and Dendrobium nobile（金釵石斛）– both contain a class of natural compounds called stilbenoids which have a potent antioxidant and anti-melanogenic function making them ideal for use in skin care products.

The study, which is published in the internationally-renowned European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, was led by Professor Zhang Hongjie from the School’s Teaching and Research Division. It also involved Dr Tsang Siu-wai, Research Assistant Professor, and Drs Zhu Yu and Pan Wenhui, post-doctoral research fellows. The project has been granted a US patent with one PCT patent pending. 

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