A traditional herbal formula composed of ‘white’ herbs down regulates tyrosinase-related proteins in B16F10 melanoma cells

Abstract

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory postulates the pharmacological targets of white-coloured herbs include skin. To explore the therapeutic implications of this theory in skin disorders, especially for excess pigmentation, a series of anti-melanogenic evaluations were performed using a selected herbal formulation, WASAP-H. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) analysis was performed to determine the major components of WASAP-H. Effects of WASAP-H on tyrosinase activity, melanin content, and the expression of melanogenic proteins such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 was evaluated in B16F10 melanoma cells. WASAP-H decoction significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and reduced melanin contents in B16F10 melanoma cells. The key enzymes for melanin synthesis such as tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 were significantly down regulated by WASAP-H in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggested that the anti-melanogenic activity of WASAP-H was directly linked to the inhibition of tyrosinase activity and the down regulation of melanogenic enzymes. The scientific translation of traditional knowledge in this study will provide a platform for the modernization of traditional herbal medicines and the development of evidence-based herbal medicinal products.