Biomol Ther.  2014 Jan;22(1):35-40.

Inhibitory Effects of Resveratrol on Melanin Synthesis in Ultraviolet B-Induced Pigmentation in Guinea Pig Skin

• Lee TH
• Seo JO
• Baek SH
• Kim SY

Abstract

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in various natural products such as grapes and berries and possesses anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-aging properties. Recently, it has been reported that resveratrol inhibits alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone signaling, viability, and migration in melanoma cells. However, these effects have not been confirmed in vivo, specifically brownish guinea pigs. To evaluate the potential of resveratrol as a regulator of melanin for hyperpigmentation therapy, the influence of resveratrol on pigmentation was investigated by ultraviolet B-induced hyperpigmentation in brownish guinea pig skin. We found that resveratrol reduced the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related proteins 1 and 2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in melanoma cells. Furthermore, topical application of resveratrol was demonstrated to significantly decrease hyperpigmentation on ultraviolet B-stimulated guinea pig skin in vivo. Based on our histological data, resveratrol inhibits melanin synthesis via a reduction in tyrosinase-related protein 2 among the melanogenic enzymes. This study is the first to provide evidence supporting resveratrol as a depigmentation agent, along with further clinical investigation of resveratrol in ultraviolet B-induced skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation and skin photoaging.

Keyword

Resveratrol; Depigmentation; Hyperpigmentation; Melanogenesis; Guinea pig; Ultraviolet B

MeSH Terms

alpha-MSH
Animals
Biological Products
Fruit
Guinea Pigs*
Hyperpigmentation
Melanins*
Melanoma
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
Monophenol Monooxygenase
Pigmentation*
Skin*
Vitis
Biological Products
Melanins
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
Monophenol Monooxygenase
alpha-MSH