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Saponified Evening Primrose Oil Reduces Melanogenesis in B16 Melanoma Cells and Reduces UV‐Induced Skin Pigmentation in Humans
Author(s) -
Koo JeungHyun,
Lee Ikjae,
Yun SeokKweon,
Kim HanUk,
Park ByungHyun,
Park JinWoo
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
lipids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.601
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1558-9307
pISSN - 0024-4201
DOI - 10.1007/s11745-010-3405-4
Subject(s) - tyrosinase , microphthalmia associated transcription factor , melanin , skin whitening , hyperpigmentation , evening primrose oil , melanoma , chemistry , cosmeceutical , human skin , pharmacology , biochemistry , biology , enzyme , cancer research , food science , microbiology and biotechnology , active ingredient , genetics
This study was conducted to determine whether saponified evening primrose oil (sap‐EPO) has the potential for use as a whitening agent and to investigate its underlying mechanisms of action. In B16 melanoma cells, sap‐EPO dose‐dependently inhibited isobutylmethylxanthine‐induced melanogenesis with no cytotoxicity. This decrease in melanin production was correlated with reduced enzyme activity and decreased mRNA and protein levels of tyrosinase. The mRNA levels of tyrosinase‐related proteins 1 and 2 decreased in response to treatment with sap‐EPO, indicating that it regulated tyrosinase at the transcriptional level. Expression of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor was also decreased by sap‐EPO as evidenced by decreased mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, topical application of sap‐EPO resulted in efficient whitening of UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation of human skin. Taken together, these results suggest that sap‐EPO has the potential for use as a cosmetic whitening agent.