Abstract
This study is peformed to investigate the effect of water extract from Vaccinium uliginosum L., on melanin production in B 16 melanoma cells, procollagen production and matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) inhibition in human fibroblast cells. One hundred grams of the Vaccinium uliginosum L. was extracted with 2000 mL of water($90^{\circ}C$, 16h, 2times). The water extracts were lyophilized and stored at $4^{\circ}C$ until used. Dry weight yields of extracts of Vaccinium uliginosum L. were $3\%$(w/w). Extracts from Vaccinium uliginosum L. showed scavenger activities on DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen radical. And these substances inhibited release of cyiokines from human keratinocyte after UV B exposure. Therefore we confirmed that extracts from Vaccinium uliginosum L. had antioxidative effect. These substances inhibited purified tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in B 16 melanoma cells treated/untreated IL-$1{\alpha}$. Moreover this extract stimulated procollagen production and inhibited MMP-1 production in human fibroblast cells treated/untreated IL-$1{\beta}$. Therefore we confirmed that extracts from Vaccinium uliginosum L. had whitening effect. And these substances decreased degree of wrinkle in hairless mouse skin that induced by UV B irradiation. Therefore we confirmed that extracts from Vaccinium uliginosum L. had anti-wrinkle effect. From the above results, it is possible that Vaccinium uliginosum L. may be developed to be an anti-melanogenesis agent and anti-wrinkle agent.