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Planta Med 2009; 75(14): 1505-1508
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1185803
Pharmacology
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Torilin from Torilis japonica Inhibits Melanin Production in α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone-Activated B16 Melanoma Cells

Cheong-Yong Yun1 , Dongchun Kim2 , Won-Hee Lee1 , Yu Mi Park2 , Seung Ho Lee2 , Minkyun Na2 , Yurngdong Jahng2 , Bang Yeon Hwang1 , Mi Kyeong Lee1 , Sang-Bae Han1 , Youngsoo Kim1
  • 1College of Pharmacy & Research Center for Bioresource and Health, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
  • 2College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Kyeongsan, Korea
Further Information

Publication History

received Feb. 7, 2009 revised May 6, 2009

accepted May 14, 2009

Publication Date:
16 June 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Epidermal melanocytes synthesize melanin pigments and transfer them to keratinocytes, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. However, abnormal accumulation of melanin pigments causes hyperpigmentation disorders, which are substantially improved with treatment of tyrosinase inhibitor. In our ongoing study, Torilis japonica DC. (Umbelliferae) was found to inhibit melanin production. A goal of this study is to elucidate the hypopigmenting principle of T. japonica. A sesquiterpene structure of torilin was isolated from the plant extracts via bioassay-guided phytochemical analysis. Torilin dose-dependently inhibited melanin production, with an IC50 value of 25 µM, in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)-activated B16 melanoma cells. Arbutin, a positive control of skin whitener, also inhibited α‐MSH-induced melanin production with an IC50 value of 170 µM. As to the mode of action, torilin downregulated α‐MSH-induced protein levels of tyrosinase without directly inhibiting catalytic activity of the enzyme. Taken together, this study shows that torilin contributes to the hypopigmenting principle of T. japonica, and suggests its pharmacological potential in melanin-associated hyperpigmentation disorders.

Key words

Torilis japonica DC. - Umbelliferae - torilin - melanin - tyrosinase - hypopigmenting potential

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Ph.D. and Professor Youngsoo Kim

College of Pharmacy
Chungbuk National University

Gaeshin-dong 12

Cheongju 361-763

Korea

Fax: + 82 4 32 68 27 32

Email: youngsoo@chungbuk.ac.kr