• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.532-539
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• 2018

Hair graying is processed by loss of melanin production caused by the decrease of activity and number of melanocyte and the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in the hair follicle with increase of age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect the Black oryzasativa ethanolic extract (BLEE) on the melanin production. In this study BLEE at $8{\mu}g/ml$ or more showed a significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and reduction power. BLEE at $16{\mu}g/ml$ or more showed promoted tyrosinase activity and melanin production. In addition BLEE scavenged intracellular $H_2O_2$ in 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence assay in B16F1 cells. However, Western blot analyses displayed that BLEE decreased the expression level of catalase, but no effect on the expression level of tyrosinase, tyrosinase associated protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase associated protein-2 (TRP-2) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) transcription factor involved in melanogenesis. Thus, the promotive effect of BLEE on melanin production is attributed to the increase of tyrosinase activity and the reduction of intracellular $H_2O_2$ level. In conclusion, BLEE played a key role in in promoting melanin production, which suggests that the BLEE could be applied as a potential functional material in the development of hair care cosmetics related to the promotion of melanin production for the growth of black hair.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.461-469
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a mixture of ethanol extracts of Black oryzasativa, Sesamum indicum, Oryza sativa, Rhynchosia Nulubilis, and Polygoni multiflori radix (MIXEE) on melanogenesis to develop a natural product for black hair growth. An accumulation of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in hair follicles, which reduces melanin synthesis, is responsible for hair graying. In the present study, MIXEE showed scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and reducing power. In addition, it reduced the cellular $H_2O_2$ level, indicating that it could inhibit oxidation and promote melanin synthesis, which was decreased by $H_2O_2$. On the other hand, it did not affect tyrosinase activity in vitro but promoted the turnover of L-DOPA into melanin. MIXEE promoted melanin synthesis at the cellular level in B16F1 cells. Furthermore, MIXEE increased the expression levels of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and SOD3 in western blot analysis. In addition, MIXEE increased the expression levels of tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-2, which promoted melanin synthesis from L-DOPA. The results suggested that MIXEE could promote melanogenesis. Therefore, MIXEE may have potential as a natural product for promotion of melanin production and reversal of gray hair to black hair.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.745-752
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• 2018

Melanogenesis is involved in the pigmentation of the hair, eyes, and skin in living organisms. Various signaling pathways stimulated by ${\alpha}-MSH$, SCF/c-Kit, $Wnt/{\beta}-catenin$, nitric oxide and ultraviolet activate melanocyte, leading to melanin production by tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 expressed via the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). However, the abnormal regulation of melanogenesis causes dermatological issues such as graying hair and vitiligo. Therefore, the activators that promote melanogenesis are crucial for the prevention of graying hair and the treatment of hypopigmentary disorders. Many melanogenesis stimulators have been studied for the development of novel drugs derived from synthesized compounds and natural products. Here, in addition to providing a description of a common signaling pathway in the melanogenesis of graying hair and the vitiligo process for the development of novel anti-hair graying agents, this article reviews natural herbs and the active ingredients that promote melanin synthesis as a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of vitiligo. In particular, compounds such as Imatinib and Sugen with a stimulating effect on melanogenesis as a side effect of the drugs, are also introduced. Recent advances in research on natural plant extracts such as Polygonum multiflorum, Rhynchosia Nulubilis, Black oryzasativa, and Orysa sartiva, widely known as traditional and medicinal extracts, are also reviewed.