The whitening effect of Acai berry extract on the B16F10 melanoma cells

The Acai berry (Euterpe oleracea) is a tropical fruit from the Amazon region [1]. It has long been consumed as part of the traditional Brazilian diet. The main component of Acai berry is anthocyanin, which has been reported to have antioxidant effects [2]. In this study, we investigated the whitening effects of the Acai berry on the B16F10 melanoma cell. The powder of freeze-dried Acai fruit was extracted by water at 60°C temperature. We examined melanin contents (IC₅₀=99.96 µg/Ml) dose-dependently, and investigated as to whether ERK activation by water extract is related to MITF and tyrosinase down-regulation. The ERK pathway is involved in the melanogenic signalling cascade [3], and that ERK activation by water extract reduced melanin synthesis via MITF downer-regulation, tyrosinase levels also decreased.

In conclusion, the Acai berry indicated that it could decrease the melanin content. Therefore, we expect the whitening effects of the Acai berry may be a possible candidate for further functional foods or cosmetic research.

References: [1] Lichtenthaler, R. et al. (2005) Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 56:53–64.

[2] Schauss, A.G. et al. (2006)J. Agric. Food Chem. 54:8604–8610.

[3] Englaro, W. et al. (1998)J. Biol. Chem. 273:9966–9970.