Anti-melanogenic properties of FBCC-EP850 derived from Carex pumila Thunb

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the anti-melanogenic potential of Carex pumila Thunb. extract (FBCC-EP850). Methods: A collection of 180 plant extracts was tested for inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity using an in vitro assay. Among them, FBCC-EP850 exhibited the most promising inhibitory activity. Further analysis was conducted to investigate its mechanisms and therapeutic potential in reducing melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae. Results: FBCC-EP850 inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 45.83 µg/mL. FBCC-EP850 at concentrations up to 50 µg/mL demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells and no adverse effects on zebrafish larvae. Treatment with 50 µg/mL of FBCC-EP850 significantly reduced α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanin production and suppressed cellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 melanoma cells. Additionally, FBCC-EP850 at 25 and 50 µg/mL effectively diminished hyperpigmentation in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated zebrafish larvae. Its anti-melanogenic action could be attributed to modulation of the cAMP-CREB-MITF signaling pathway. Conclusions: Carex pumila extract can inhibit melanogenesis by modulating the cAMP-CREB-MITF signaling pathway, which can be used as a promising candidate for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.

Keywords

Carex pumila Thunb. / Melanogenesis / Tyrosinase / cAMP-CREB-MITF signaling

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Funding

This work was supported by the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute through Project to Make Multi-ministerial National Biological Research Resources more Advanced funded by Korea Ministry of Environment (RS-2021-KE001783).

Data availability statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors upon request.

Authors’ contributions

MHDK, JP, and GYK designed the experiment. MHDK, JP, and NK operated the experiment and processed the experimental data. YHC and GYK visualized and ensured the authenticity of the experimental data. MHDK wrote the manuscript. YHC and GYK contributed to the revision of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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