Abstract: Provided are benzopyran compounds of formula I, for example, pomiferin-3?,4?-dimethyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. wherein R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subject with tyrosinase-positive albinism; agents and compositions thereof for use in treating tyrosinase-positive albinism; and medicaments for treating tyrosinase-positive albinism are described herein. Such methods; agents and compositions thereof; and medicaments relate to chloroquine or rapamycin or compositions thereof and may further relate to nitisinone used in conjunction with the chloroquine or rapamycin or a composition of either of which.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of using same for screening to identify modulator agents or compounds that target endoplasmic reticulum stress related signaling pathways to induce apoptosis are described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising modulator agents or compounds identified by screening assays described herein are also encompassed. Methods for treating a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by monoclonal plasma cell proliferation in a subject using the aforementioned modulator agents or compounds are also envisioned. Modulator agents or compounds thereof for use in treating a myeloproliferative disorder in a subject and use of modulator agents or compounds thereof in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of a myeloproliferative disorder are also encompassed herein. Exemplary myeloproliferative disorders include: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and multiple myeloma (MM).

Abstract: Methods for treating a subject with tyrosinase-positive albinism; agents and compositions thereof for use in treating tyrosinase-positive albinism; and medicaments for treating tyrosinase-positive albinism are described herein. Such methods; agents and compositions thereof; and medicaments relate to chloroquine or rapamycin or compositions thereof and may further relate to nitisinone used in conjunction with the chloroquine or rapamycin or a composition of either of which.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of using same for screening to identify modulator agents or compounds that target endoplasmic reticulum stress related signaling pathways to induce apoptosis are described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising modulator agents or compounds identified by screening assays described herein are also encompassed. Methods for treating a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by monoclonal plasma cell proliferation in a subject using the aforementioned modulator agents or compounds are also envisioned. Modulator agents or compounds thereof for use in treating a myeloproliferative disorder in a subject and use of modulator agents or compounds thereof in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of a myeloproliferative disorder are also encompassed herein. Exemplary myeloproliferative disorders include: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and multiple myeloma (MM).

Abstract: Provided are indole alkaloid compounds of formula I, for example, pubescine, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to promote (e.g., enhance) melanogenesis and pigmentation. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, for example, pubescine, and the use of such a plant extract to promote (e.g., enhance) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: Provided are benzopyran compounds of formula I, for example, pomiferin-3?,4?-dimethyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. wherein R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: Provided are benzopyran compounds of formula I, for example, pomiferin-3?,4?-dimethyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. wherein R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: Provided are coumarin compounds of formula I, for example, robustic acid methyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. wherein R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: Provided are indole alkaloid compounds of formula I, for example, pubescine, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to promote (e.g., enhance) melanogenesis and pigmentation. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, for example, pubescine, and the use of such a plant extract to promote (e.g., enhance) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: A method for preventing hyperpigmented skin, undesired pigmentation disorder of skin, or undesired darkening of skin using coumarin compounds, the use of such compounds, and compositions and formulations thereof are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the coumarin compounds are selected from robustic acid methyl ether, scandenin, and coumophos. The compounds may be prepared as additives to pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and in personal care products such as antiperspirants. In a particular embodiment extends to an antiperspirant product containing a skin darkening inhibitory amount of a compound of the invention. Also, the present skin darkening compounds may be prepared in combination with each other.

Abstract: Provided are coumarin compounds of formula I, for example, robustic acid methyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. wherein R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: Provided are benzopyran compounds of formula I, for example, pomiferin-3?,4?-dimethyl ether, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. wherein R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are described herein. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: A method for preventing hyperpigmented skin, undesired pigmentation disorder of skin, or undesired darkening of skin using coumarin compounds, the use of such compounds, and compositions and formulations thereof are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the coumarin compounds are selected from robustic acid methyl ether, scandenin, and coumophos. The compounds may be prepared as additives to pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and in personal care products such as antiperspirants. In a particular embodiment extends to an antiperspirant product containing a skin darkening inhibitory amount of a compound of the invention. Also, the present skin darkening compounds may be prepared in combination with each other.

Abstract: A method for the identification of compounds) that control melanin synthesis (melanogenesis), and the preparation and use of such compounds, and compositions and formulations thereof to modify (e.g., inhibit) melanin production are disclosed. A representative compound of the invention is defined by formula I: The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and in one embodiment, may be prepared in combination with each other, and with other melanogenesis inhibiting formulations. The compounds, compositions and formulations of the invention may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are causally related to aberrant melanogenesis activity including, by way of non-limiting example, hyperpigmentation and others.

Abstract: Provided are steroidal compounds of formula I, for example, conessine, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. Also provided are plant extracts containing a compound of formula I, for example, conessine, and the use of such a plant extract to modulate (e.g., inhibit) melanogenesis and pigmentation. The compound or plant extract may be prepared as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are related to aberrant melanogenesis activity.

Abstract: A method of identification of tricyclic compounds (formula I) that control melanin synthesis (melanogenesis), and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to modify (e.g., inhibit) melanin production are disclosed. The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are causally related to aberrant melanogenesis activity including by way of non-limiting example, hyperpigmentation and others.

Abstract: A method of identification of quinoline compounds (formula I) that modify melanin synthesis (melanogenesis), and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to control (e.g., inhibit) melanin production are disclosed. The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of conditions that are causally related to aberrant melanogenesis activity including by way of non-limiting example, pigmentation deficiencies (albinism) and hyperpigmentation and others.

Abstract: A method of potentiating the efficacy of an antineoplastic agent such as temozolomide, comprises the administration of an antifolate agent as defined herein. Also disclosed are compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the antineoplastic agent and an antifolate agent, and the use of such compounds and compositions thereof to treat a variety of cancers, such as melanoma. Unit dosage forms and kits are also contemplated and disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening for compounds that affect melanogenesis and the function of P protein in organisms, cells, or cell-free systems. The invention further relates to pharmacologic and cosmetic uses of methods of inhibiting melanogenesis, methods of activating melanogenesis, and compounds and pharmacologic compositions useful for the inhibition or activation of melanogenesis and, therefore, for lightening or darkening the pigmentation of cells and tissue, i.e., skin.