Modulation of Melanin Synthesis by Amaranthus spp. L Seed Extract in Melan-a Cells

• Published in: Natural product sciences Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 168 - 174
• Main Authors: Seo, Jae Ok, Do, Moon Ho, Lee, Jae Hak, Lee, Taek Hwan, Wahedi, Hussain Mustatab, Park, Yong Un, Kim, Sun Yeou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Amaranth; Melan-a cells; Myo-inositol; Melanogenesis
• ISSN: 1226-3907

Anti-melanogenic effects of amaranth (AT), one of the key source of squalene, were investigated in melanocytes. Amaranth seed powder was extracted with water and melan-a cells were treated with various concentrations of AT. By using HPLC, content of myo-inositol, one of potential active components, was measured in the crude extract of AT.AT reduced the melanin content in melan-a melanocytes and down-regulated melanogenic enzyme activity such as tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. By regulating melanogenic enzyme activity, AT may be a potential natural source for whitening agent. Myo-inositol was detected in AT by HPLC and may be one of the active compounds from AT involved in the regulation of anti-melanogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that AT has anti-melanogenesis properties. This new function of amaranth may be useful in the development of new skin-whitening products and its value as food.