• YAKHAK HOEJI
• /
• v.44 no.5
• /
• pp.455-462
• /
• 2000

To investigate how the aqueous extracts of Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EK) affects pigmentation of skin, the aqueous extract of EK at various concentrations were incubated with 1 $\times$ 10$^{5}$ melanoma cells per well for 72 h. The morphology and number of cell line were not changed, but the aqueous extract of EK increased the tyrosinase activity and the content of melanin polymer in the cell line. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of EK promotes melanogenesis of Bl6 mouse melanoma cell line.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.44 no.6
• /
• pp.533-540
• /
• 2000

Melanization of B16 melanoma cells was comparatively studied by the aqueous extract of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK) and $\alpha$-MSH. In addition, inhibitory effects of RA was investigated. B16 melanoma cells(about 1${\times}10_5$) have been shown an increase in tyrosinase activity and melanin contents in proportion to concentration of $\alpha$-MSH when treated with $\alpha$-MSH and incubated for 72 hrs. They indicated a 350% increase in tyrosinase activity and a 290% increase in melanin contents at 8 ng/mL. In case of EK, they have been shown a 200% increase in tyrosinase activity and a 180% increase in melanin contents at 100 ${\mu}g$/mL. In addition of RA to the above condition, they have been shown an inhibition from 350% to 210% in tyrosinase activity and from 290% to 250% in melanin contents in $\alpha$-MSH, and inhibition from 200% to 100% in tyrosinase activity and from 180% to 120% in melanin contents in EK. From the above results, it is suggested that EK promotes melanization of B16 melanoma cells through cAMP pathway, whereas RA inhibits it.