Evaulation of anti-melanogenic and anti-photoaging activity of wild bitter melon extracts

• Main Authors: Yu-Ting Huang, 黃育亭
• Other Authors: Po-Jung Tsai
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/64550500547668283957

碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 人類發展與家庭學系 === 99 === Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanogenesis. Melanin is essential for protecting human skin against radiation, but the accumulation of abnormal melanin induces pigmentation disorders. UV radiation is responsible as a causative factor for various skin lesions including photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Photoaging is characterized by severe wrinkling and pigmentary changes. In addition, UV induced MMP-1and then caused collagen breakdown and induced inflammatory responses. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extracts exerted hypoglycemic, anti-diabetic, antiviral, antitumor, antiulcer, anti-leukemic, antibacterial, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In Asia, the infusion of stems and leaves of bitter melon has been proposed as an agent for skin care. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic and anti-photoaging properties of wild bitter melons (WBM; Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser.). Results showed that methanolic (MeOH) extracts of WBM leaves showed significant DPPH free radical, superoxide, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Ethyl acetate (EA) and ethanolic (EtOH) extracts of fruits, MeOH extracts of leaves and viny juice of WBM significantly inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity. EA fruit extracts and MeOH leaf extracts of WBM significantly suppressed tyrosinase activity and decreased melanin levels in α-MSH-stimulated B16-F10 melanocytes. EA fruit extract and MeOH leaf extract of WBM, Hualien-1 (HL-1), significantly reduced UVB-induced intracellular ROS production and inhibited mRNA and protein levels of COX-2 and MMP-1. Besides, both extract significantly inhibited UVB-enhanced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. Our findings suggested that both HL-1 extracts inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 expression, which may be through reduced ROS production and ERK phosphorylation. Twenty-nine subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study. HL-1 extracts was found to be topical safe and well tolerated. A gradual and time-related improvement in pigmentary abnormality and wrinkle was shown under the treatment with HL-1 extracts. HL-1 extracts significantly reduced spot and wrinkle after 8-wk and 12-wk treatment. Our study herein demonstrated the skin care potential of wild bitter melon.