Abstract
In this study, the inhibitory effect of corn silk on melanin production was evaluated. This study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of corn silk on melanin production in Melan-A cells by measuring melanin production and protein expression. The corn silk extract applied on Melan-A cells at a concentration of 100 ppm decreased melanin production by 37.2% without cytotoxicity. This was a better result than arbutin, a positive whitening agent, which exhibited a 26.8% melanin production inhibitory effect at the same concentration. The corn silk extract did not suppress tyrosinase activity but greatly reduced the expression of tyrosinase in Melan-A cells. In addition, corn silk extract was applied to the human face with hyperpigmentation, and skin color was measured to examine the degree of skin pigment reduction. The application of corn silk extract on faces with hyperpigmentation significantly reduced skin pigmentation without abnormal reactions. Based on the results above, corn silk has good prospects for use as a material for suppressing skin pigmentation.
Highlights
The skin color of the human body is determined by melanin, carotenoids, hemoglobin, and bilirubin, among which melanin is the most important factor [1,2]
Tyrosinase is an important enzyme that stimulates the oxidation of tyrosine and L-dopa at the early stage of melanin biosynthesis
The search for a tyrosinase inhibitor has been a major target of research in the development of skin pigment-inhibiting agents [19]
Summary
The skin color of the human body is determined by melanin, carotenoids, hemoglobin, and bilirubin, among which melanin is the most important factor [1,2]. Human skin is made of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue Of these the epidermis is the outermost layer, where melanocytes that produce melanin exist in the basal lamina or the lower part of the epidermis [6]. To prevent or improve skin darkening due to melanin hyper-production, skin pigment-suppressing agents using kojic acid, arbutin, or licorice extract have been developed, but various problems such as adverse side effects and weak efficacy have been observed [9]. Corn silk extract aqueous solutions were applied on the human face with hyperpigmentation twice a day for 8 weeks, and skin color was measured to check for any adverse reactions and examine the degree of skin pigment reduction
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
