[The effects of aloesin and arbutin on cultured melanocytes in a synergetic method].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of aloesin and arbutin on normal cultured human melanocytes in synergetic method.


METHODS
Building up the system of cultured human melanocytes. The cultured melanocytes in vitro were treated with the mixture of aloesin and arbutin. The cell viability and tyrosinase activity was measured by MTT assay, utilization of L-Dopa as the substrate respectively; melanin content was measured by image analysis system. Furthermore, the effects of the mixture on melanocytes were compared with that of aloesin and arbutin.


RESULTS
The mixture of aloesin and arbutin showed an inhibition on tyrosinase activity of human melanocytes and reduced significantly melanin content. Between the mixture and the single use of aloesin or arbutin, there is significant difference (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the mixture has little influence on melanocytes viability and there is negative significance.


CONCLUSIONS
The mixture of aloesin and arbutin can significantly inhibit the tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis of cultured human melanocytes. It showed the effects of aloesin and arbutin in a synergistic manner. It is worth to give farther study later.
Yang
Zhuang-qun
ZQ
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Stomatological College, Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
Wang
Zheng-hui
ZH
Tu
Jun-bo
JB
Li
Peng
P
Hu
Xiao-yi
XY
D001104:Arbutin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002867:Chromones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005960:Glucosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D002867:Chromones; D005960:Glucosides; D001104:Arbutin; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; C069868:aloesin