Effects of plant extracts on melanin biosynthesis and melanogenetic gene expression in B16F10 melanoma cells

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is a significant environmental factor in skin damage and can induce hyperpigmentation disorder and aesthetic problem. Development of novel whitening phytochemical compounds from natural products has been become trends recently. The purpose of this study was to find some plant extracts that reduce melanin synthesis and melanogenetic gene expression in alpha-MSH-induced B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. To screen total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and anti-mushroom tyrosinase activity, we used 13 plants which were extracted with petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethanol solvents, subsequently. We found that total phenolic content of 13 plants extracts was found in the high level in ethanol, dichloromethane and petroleum ether, orderly. While, flavonoid content was normally found in dichloromethane fraction. We also found that four plants extracts, containing ethanol fractions of Ardisia elliptica, Garcinia mangostana, Phyllanthus acidus, and Stemona curtisii had the high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, we found that ethanol fractions of Rhinnacanthus nasutus, Ardisia elliptica, Phyllanthus acidus, and Senna alata significantly decreased mushroom tyrosinase activity. Our results demonstrate that ethanol extracts of Croton roxburghii, Croton sublyratus, Phyllanthus acidus and Rhincanthus acidus leaves markly decreased melanin biosynthesis through suppressing phospho-CREB by inhibiting MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. Our finding suggests that four ethanol extracts may be useful for treating melasma and as a skin-whitening agent.