Abstract
In this study, we demonstrated the whitening effect of Lagenaria leucantha through the melanin biosynthesis of S bikiniensis and inhibition of melanogenesis in cultured Bl6 melanocytes. And we confirmed the whitening effect of Lagenaria leucantha through the depigmentation of gold fish in vivo. The melanogenesis of B$_{16}$ melanocytes was founded to be activated dose and time dependently by the treatment of u- MSH. When the B$_{16}$ melanocytes was treated with 200nM of $\alpha$-MSH, the morphology of melanocytes was remarkably changed. The melanin content and the synthesis of tyrosinase were strikingly increased. Lagenaria ieucantha inhibited the melanin formation stimulated by $\alpha$-MSH without affection of cell viability. However, Lagenaria leucantha didn't inhibit tyrosinase activity and showed weak suppression on the synthesis of tyrosinase. These results suggest Lagenaria leucantha might inhibit melanin formation with tyrosinase independent manner. Lagenaria ieucantha also inhibition melanin biosynthesis with 18mm inhibition zone in S.bikiniensis. To evaluate the inhibitory activity of melanogenesis of Lagenaria leucantha in vivo, we examined its effect on depigmentation of gold fish. Lagenaria ieucantha remarkably reduced the size and density of melanophores in gold fish. These results suggest that Lagenaria ieucantha can be used as a whitening agent in cosmetics.ics.s.