Torilin from Torilis japonica Inhibits Melanin Production in α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone-Activated B16 Melanoma Cells

Abstract

Epidermal melanocytes synthesize melanin pigments and transfer them to keratinocytes, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. However, abnormal accumulation of melanin pigments causes hyperpigmentation disorders, which are substantially improved with treatment of tyrosinase inhibitor. In our ongoing study, Torilis japonica DC. (Umbelliferae) was found to inhibit melanin production. A goal of this study is to elucidate the hypopigmenting principle of T. japonica. A sesquiterpene structure of torilin was isolated from the plant extracts via bioassay-guided phytochemical analysis. Torilin dose-dependently inhibited melanin production, with an IC₅₀ value of 25 µM, in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)-activated B16 melanoma cells. Arbutin, a positive control of skin whitener, also inhibited α‐MSH-induced melanin production with an IC₅₀ value of 170 µM. As to the mode of action, torilin downregulated α‐MSH-induced protein levels of tyrosinase without directly inhibiting catalytic activity of the enzyme. Taken together, this study shows that torilin contributes to the hypopigmenting principle of T. japonica, and suggests its pharmacological potential in melanin-associated hyperpigmentation disorders.

Key words

Torilis japonica DC. - Umbelliferae - torilin - melanin - tyrosinase - hypopigmenting potential

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