• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.389-400
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• 2013

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been reported to exert anticancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there has been no report on the effect of KRG on skin pigmentation. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of KRG on melanocyte proliferation. KRG extract (KRGE) at different concentrations had no effect on melanin synthesis in melan-A melanocytes. Saponin of KRG (SKRG) inhibited melanin content to 80% of the control at 100 ppm. Keratinocyte-derived factors induced by UV-irradiation were reported to stimulate melanogenesis, differentiation, proliferation, and dendrite formation. In this study, treatment of melan-A melanocytes with conditioned media from UV-irradiated SP-1 keratinocytes increased melanocyte proliferation. When UV-irradiated SP-1 keratinocytes were treated with KRGE or SKRG, the increase of melanocyte proliferation by the conditioned media was blocked. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was produced and released from UV-irradiated keratinocytes. This factor has been reported to be involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of epidermal melanocytes. In this study, GM-CSF was significantly increased in SP-1 keratinocytes by UVB irradiation ($30mJ/cm^2$), and the proliferation of melan-A melanocytes increased significantly by GM-CSF treatment. In addition, the proliferative effect of keratinocyte-conditioned media on melan-A melanocytes was blocked by anti-GM-CSF treatment. KRGE or SKRG treatment decreased the expression of GM-CSF in SP-1 keratinocytes induced by UVB irradiation. These results demonstrate that UV irradiation induced GM-CSF expression in keratinocytes and KRGE or SKRG inhibited its expression. Therefore, KRG could be a good candidate for regulating UV-induced melanocyte proliferation.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.11-22
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• 2020

In this study, we investigated anti-pigmentation effect of a hexapeptide. The peptide significantly reduced melanin contents and inhibited tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner, in which tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanogenesis. The peptide also significantly reduced the expression levels of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) and their upstream transcription factor, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Furthermore, the peptide suppressed the phosphorylation level of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor of MITF, and increased the phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a kinase mediates MITF phosphorylation and proteasomal degradation. The peptide significantly inhibited the expression of Rab27A, Melanophilin, and MyosinVa, the components of motor complex involved in intracellular movement of melanosome. These results suggest that Hexapeptide could be used as an effective whitening agent that has inhibitory effect on melanin production and melanosome transport by regulating expression and degradation of MITF in melanocytes.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.32 no.3 s.58
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• pp.153-160
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• 2006

We synthesized 2',4'-dimethoxyflavone and investigated the effects on melanogenesis. To determine the effects as a whitening agent, various in uitro tests were performed such as free radical scavenging activity, melanin assay, tyrosinase activity and expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 (western blot and RT-PCR) in Bl6 melanoma cells. 2',4'-Dimethoxyflavone showed neither free radical scavenging activities against 1,1- diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazvl (DPPH) radical and inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity, 2',4'-dimethoxyflavone significantly inhibited melanin production in B16 melanoma cells. 2',4'-Dimethoxyflavone treatment (48h) suppressed the biosynthesis of melanin up to 27% at $5{\mu}g/mL$ and reduced tyrosinase activity up to 20% at $5{\mu}g/mL$ in B16 melanoma cells. 2',4'-Dimethoxyflavone was also able to significantly inhibit tyrosinase and TRP-1 expression in protein and mRNA level. These results suggest that 2',4'-dimethoxyflavone inhibits melanin biosynthesis at the level of enzyme activity and protein mRNA expression B16 melanoma cells. Therefore, 2',4'-dimethoxyflavone may be useful as a new whitening agent in cosmetics.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.255-263
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• 2019

Isomaltol glycoside is a hydrophilic furanic glycoside in which the amino acids and sugars of ginseng are thermally denatured during red ginseng production. Various skin whitening tests were conducted on isomaltol glycoside containing a lot of red ginseng extract in order to investigate the skin whitening effect as a cosmetic raw material. We have tested melanin content assay in B16-F10 cells, zebrafish embryo pigmentation assay, mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity, western blot analysis to determine skin whitening activity of isomaltol glycosides. In the zebrafish melanin content assay, isomaltol glycoside decreased total melanin content by about 20% and zebrafish tyrosinase activity by about 10% after treatment with 50 and $100{\mu}g/mL$ compared to the untreated control group. Isomaltol glycoside also showed a concentration-dependent decrease in melanin content in B16-F10 melanoma. Furthermore, it increased the expression of MITF phosphorylation factors p-AKT and p-ERK in B16-F10 melanoma and decreased the concentration of MITF. It also inhibited tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 expression. The content of isomaltol glycoside was about 3% in the ginseng extract and about 1% in the ginseng root. Thus, isomaltol glycoside is considered as one of the main components that exhibit the whitening activity of ginseng when considered quantitatively as whitening activity.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.153-161
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• 2024

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is mainly produced in the skin by UV rays. Along with melatonin, it is a representative chronobiotic substance, and the skin plays an important role in distinguishing between day and night. However, vitamin D cannot be used directly in cosmetics because it is a vitamin that acts as a coenzyme and plays a hormonal role in regulating the expression of various types of genes. Therefore, it was to investigate the skin efficacy of provitamin D (7-dehydrocholesterol), a vitamin D precursor that can be used in cosmetics. Our findings reveal that pro vitamin D can effectively inhibit the expression of tyrosinase, the melanin-producing enzyme, thereby attenuating melanin synthesis. This skin tone regulatory effect has been corroborated in vitro using artificial skin models. Additionally, pro vitamin D demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the expression of TNFa and, upon conversion to vitamin D through UV exposure, it was observed to induce the production of the antimicrobial peptide CAMP (LL-37). The inhibitory effect of pro vitamin D on melanin production appears to be a result of it reducing the UV absorption capacity of melanin, thereby inducing the conversion of pro D to vitamin D. Utilizing pro vitamin D in cosmetic formulations could not only modulate skin tone and enhance skin immunity but also expect to contribute to other cutaneous benefits as anti-aging and barrier function improvement with everyday UV exposure. This multifaceted efficacy positions pro vitamin D as a promising ingredient in advancing the formulation of skin care products.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.30 no.3 s.47
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• pp.415-418
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• 2004

Arbutin is a glycosylated hydroquinone found at high concentration in certain plants capable of surviving extreme and sustained dehydration. It has been reported to have an inhibitory effect of melanogenesis and to be hydrolyzed easily to yield glucose and hydroquinone by ${\beta}-glucosidase.$ While hydroquinone also has an anti-melanogenic effect, however, is carefully used as a topical whitening agent because of side effects. The present study was undertaken to examine the inhibitory effect of an whitening agent containing arbutin and ${\beta}-glucosidase$ on UV radiation induced pigmentation in human skin. Experimental subjects were UVB-irradiated on the back. UVB-irradiated areas were assigned to three groups: arbutin and ${\beta}-glucosidase$ treated group, vehicle control, and no-application control. Arbutin and ${\beta}-glucosidase$ treatment inhibited pigmentation by 50.17 percent, compared with the controls (N : 10: P<0.05). These results suggest that the whitening agent containing arbutin and ${\beta}-glucosidase$may be used as an agent to inhibit melanin formation induced by UV radiation.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.24-36
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• 2022

Objectives: Excessive melanin production leads to skin pigmentation, which causes various cosmetic and health problems. Citrus unshiu Markovich peel (CS) and Cimicifuga dahurica (CD) have long been widely used as a oriental medicinal plant because of their pharmacological properties including anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of CS, CD extracts or CS:CD=1:2 mixture on melanogenesis according to the various extraction methods. CS and CD extracted were prepared by ethanol extraction (EE), ultrasonification extraction (USE), Supercritical extraction (SCE), reflux extraction (RE), respectively. Results: DPPH radical scavenging and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of CD extracts or CS:CD=1:2 mixture were increased in dose-dependent manners. In addition, we evaluated the effect of CS, CD extracts or CS:CD=1:2 mixture on tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced B16-F10 melanoma cells. CS, CD extracts or CS:CD=1:2 mixture significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis at 10-200 ㎍/mL. Conclusions: Therefore, our study suggests that CS and CD extracts have potential as a safe treatment for excessive pigmentation or as a natural ingredient in cosmetics.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.166-171
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• 2020

Background and Objectives Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by brown or dark brown colored macules and patches which mostly involve the face. Compared to nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers have fewer adverse effects on surrounding tissues and give better results for melanin fragmentation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the pico-toning technique using a low fluence 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser on melasma patients. Materials and Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of melasma cases treated using the pico-toning technique from June 2017 to November 2020. Based on photographic images, the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score was blind evaluated by two independent plastic surgeons. Patient satisfaction was assessed through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire after treatment sessions. All adverse effects and complications were reviewed based on medical records. Results A total of 23 patients were included in the study. The mMASI scores for baseline and 2 months after the last procedure were 5.1 ± 1.4 and 2.6 ± 0.4, respectively. The mean mMASI score reduced significantly after the treatment session (p < 0.05). The patient satisfaction score with the procedure was 3.8 ± 1.0. The subject satisfaction score and difference in the mMASI score before the procedure and 2 months after the last procedure showed a significant correlation. Adverse effects observed in this study were erythema (n = 1) and edema (n = 1). Conclusion The results of the study show that the pico-toning technique is effective in Asian patients with melasma. We believe that safety was enhanced by using low fluence, and thus better results were achieved with fewer adverse effects.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 2008

These days there is a constant possibility of exposure to UV radiation which can cause abnormal production of melanin and result in skin disease such as hyperpigmentation and melanoma. Many materials were investigated for skin whitening and protection against UV radiation. In this study, we assessed the melanogenesis inhibitory activities of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG, Ginseng Radix Rubra) and Ginkgo (EGb 761 Ginkgo Biloba) in an attempt to develop a new skin whitening agent derived from natural products. B16F10 melanoma cells were treated for 48 hr with KRG and EGb 761. The inhibitory effect on melanogenesis was measured and related cytokines and proteins expression were also investigated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In addition, we also assessed the effects of these substances on the skin of C57BL/6 mice. Cell growth, melanin content and tyrosinase activity were inhibited effectively in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with KRG and EGb 761. Moreover, tyrosinase mRNA expression was inhibited clearly and melanogenesis related proteins (MRPs) containing tyrosinase, TRP1 and TRP2 were also reduced by KRG and EGb761, while cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were induced. In the case of UV irradiated mice, we observed induction of cytokine mRNA levels and reduction of MRPs mRNA expression. In addition, a decrease in pigmentation from treatment with KRG and EGb 761 on the skin of mice was observed. These results indicate that KRG and EGb 761 inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 cells and have display protective activities against UVB. Therefore, we suggest that KRG and EGb 761 are good candidates to be used as whitening agents and UVB protectors for the skin.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.323-327
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• 2004

Whitening effect, which decreases the skin pigmentation, is the one of important targets in cosmetics. This study was investigated the effects of Scirpi rhizoma on ant ioxidation and melanogenesis. S.rhizoma is a rhizome of Scirpus fluviatilis G. a perennial Cyperaceae species of wide occurrence in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. S.rhizoma shown scavenging activities of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the IC50 of 638${\mu}g/ml$ against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and 21.7${\mu}g/ml$ against superoxide radicals in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, respectively. S.rhizoma treatment (48 h) suppressed the biosynthesis of melanin up to 27% and reduced tyrosinase activity up to 31% at 100${\mu}g/ml$ in B16 melanoma cells. S.rhizoma was also able to significantly inhibit tyrosinase and TRP-1 expres- sion in protein level. These results suggest that S.rhizoma inhibited melanin biosynthesis by regulating tyrosinase activity and expression in B16 melanoma cells. Therefore S.rhizoma may be useful as new whitening agent due to the antioxidant effect and the inhibitory effect against melanogenesis.