Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to determine the anti-melanogenic and anti-oxidant properties of Gaillardia aristata flower extract (GAE).MethodsMelanogenesis inhibition by GAE was investigated in cultivated cells and in a human skin model. In cultivated cells, the melanogenesis regulatory effect of GAE was evaluated using melanin content, intracellular tyrosinase activity and anti-oxidant characteristics. In addition, the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins was determined by western blot assay and real-time PCR.ResultsGAE reduced the amount of melanin in B16F10 and normal human epidermal melanocyte cells and suppressed intracellular tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent pattern. Also, GAE significantly decreased the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins (microphthalmia associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, and dopachrome tautomerase). Real-time PCR results revealed a down-regulation of the mRNAs of these proteins. GAE possessed anti-oxidant characteristics as free radical-scavenging capacity and reducing power. In the three-dimensional human skin model, GAE applied to hyperpigmented skin significantly increased the degree of skin lightening within 2 weeks of treatment. The safety of GAE on human skin was confirmed.ConclusionsThese results indicate the potential of GAE for use in suppressing skin pigmentation. We proposed GAE as a new candidate of anti-melanogenic and antioxidant agents that could be used for cosmetic skin care products.
Highlights
The purpose of the study was to determine the anti-melanogenic and anti-oxidant properties of Gaillardia aristata flower extract (GAE)
Antioxidant capacities of GAE Four in vitro assays were performed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of GAE (Fig. 1)
The results indicated that free radicalscavenging activity of GAE in a dose-dependent manner
Summary
The purpose of the study was to determine the anti-melanogenic and anti-oxidant properties of Gaillardia aristata flower extract (GAE). Melanin secreted by melanocytes is the major pigment of human skin color in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanin is crucial in photo-protection of human skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) sunlight damage [1]. Certain ROS scavengers and inhibitors of ROS generation inhibit UV-induced melanogenesis and antioxidants like reduced glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic derivatives are applied to treat various skin problems such as depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots [5, 6]. Antioxidants and free radical scavengers play an important role in protecting human skin from the harmful effects by UV radiation as hyperpigmentation [7]. Development of effective anti-melanogenic agents with antioxidative capacity is a promising strategy to prevent or improve skin against damage due to UV radiation
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