earticle

영어

Melanogenesis is a physiological process resulting in the synthesis of melanin pigments, which play a crucial protective role against skin photocarcinogenesis. EtOH extract and various fractions from M. micromalus were analysed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radicals, superoxide radical, Xanthine oxidase, respectively. And it’s results, EtAOc fraction inhibited the DPPH (IC50 : 1.2g/ml), NO radicals (IC50 : 584.9g/ml), superoxide radical (IC50 : 0.6g/ml), Xanthine oxidase (IC50 : 4.9g/ml) on low concentration. The study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of extract from M. micromalus on melanogenesis in Melan-a cells. We also estimated total melanin content as a final product and activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme, on melanogenesis in Melan-a cells. The melanin content and tyrosinase activity were decreased in extract-treated cells in a dose dependent manner compared to control group. EtAOc fractions of M. micromalus significantly inhibited cell tyrosinase activity and melanin content and this inhibitory action was not due to the cytotoxicity. Taken together, this study suggests that EtAOc fractions of M. micromalus could contribute to the melanogenesis inhibition.