Abstract
BackgroundEuphorbia supina (ES) has been widely used in folk medicine owing to its antibacterial, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and skin-whitening effects of a 70% ethanol extract of ES.MethodsThe aerial parts of ES plant were extracted with 70% ethanol. The viability of B16F10 cells was evaluated by MTT assay to determine the non-toxic doses for further experiments. The tyrosinase and cellular tyrosinase activities were then measured using an enzyme-substrate assay. In addition, the expression of whitening-related proteins was measured using western blot.ResultsThe antioxidant activity of the ES samples increased in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by their radical scavenging activities in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. The ES extract significantly reduced tyrosinase activity and melanin content in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it decreased α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)-induced protein expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF).ConclusionsOur results indicate that the ES extract attenuated α-MSH-stimulated melanin synthesis by modulating tyrosinase and MITF expression. Therefore, the ES extract could be a promising therapeutic agent to treat hyperpigmentation and as an ingredient for skin-whitening cosmetics.
Highlights
Euphorbia supina (ES) has been widely used in folk medicine owing to its antibacterial, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties
Effect of the ES extract on B16F10 cell viability The MTT assay was used to assess the effect of the ES 70% ethanol extract on the viability of B16F10 melanoma cells
Antioxidant capacities of the ES extract The DPPH and ABTS assays were used to measure the antioxidant activity of the ES extract
Summary
Euphorbia supina (ES) has been widely used in folk medicine owing to its antibacterial, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and skin-whitening effects of a 70% ethanol extract of ES. Melanin is a major pigment that controls skin and hair color. It is a high-molecular-weight compound widely distributed in animals and plants [1]. Melanin protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. When produced in excess, the pigment accumulates in the skin to form spots and freckles, and these lesions may cause skin cancer [2]. To prevent an excess of skin pigmentation, it is necessary to inhibit the production of melanin [3]. Melanocytes, located in the basal layer of the epidermis and controlled by tyrosinase, produce melanin via melanogenesis, and contain enzymes such
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