Paeoniflorin found in Paeonia lactiflora root extract inhibits melanogenesis by regulating melanin‐related signal transduction in B16F10 cells

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSkin pigmentation is modulated by various processes, with melanogenesis playing a key role. Melanin is synthesized by the catalysis of melanogenesis‐related enzymes, such as tyrosinase and tyrosine‐related proteins TRP‐1 and TRP‐2. Paeoniflorin is the main bioactive component of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., Paeonia lactiflora., or Paeonia veitchii Lynch and has been used for centuries for its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐carcinogenic properties.Aims & methodsIn this study, melanin biosynthesis in mouse melanoma (B16F10) cells was induced using α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), and then cells were co‐treated with paeoniflorin to evaluate its potential anti‐melanogenic effect.Resultsα‐MSH stimulation increased melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and melanogenesis‐related markers in a dose‐dependent manner. However, treatment with paeoniflorin reversed α‐MSH‐induced upregulation of melanin content and tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, paeoniflorin inhibited cAMP response element‐binding protein activation and TRP‐1, TRP‐2, and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor protein expression in α‐MSH‐stimulated B16F10 cells.ConclusionOverall, these findings show the potential of paeoniflorin as a depigmenting agent for cosmetic products.