Involvement of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the anti-melanogenic effect of San-bai-tang, a Chinese herbal formula, in B16 cells.
OBJECTIVE
San-bai-tang (SBT), a Chinese herbal formula, is traditionally used as a skin whitener in China. In our previous screening assays, SBT was identified as an effective tyrosinase inhibitor. In this study, we aim to investigate the anti-melanogenic effect and mechanisms of SBT in B16 cells.


METHODS
Cell viability was examined by the MTT assay. Cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content were determined using spectrophotographic methods. Protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting.


RESULTS
SBT inhibited tyrosinase activity with an IC(50) of 215.6 ± 10.3 μg/ml, and decreased cellular melanin content with an IC(50) of 254.8 ± 14.5 μg/ml at 48 h. MTT assay demonstrated that 48-h SBT (50-400 μg/ml) treatment did not show obvious cytotoxicity. Immunoblot analysis showed that SBT (100, 200 or 400 μg/ml) treatment for 48 h down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated-p38, MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 in a dose-dependent manner.


CONCLUSIONS
SBT inhibited melanogenesis in B16 cells, and suppression of p38 MAPK signaling pathway contributed to the anti-melanogenic effect of SBT by down-regulating the expression of MITF and melanogenic enzymes. These novel findings demonstrated the anti-melanogenic effect and mechanisms of SBT, and provide pharmacological basis for the traditional use of SBT.
Ye
Yan
Y
Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
Chu
Jian-Hong
JH
Wang
Hui
H
Xu
Hong
H
Chou
Gui-Xin
GX
Leung
Alexander Kai-Man
AK
Fong
Wang-fun
WF
Yu
Zhi-Ling
ZL
D031174:Atractylodes; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008546:Melanoma, Experimental; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D029596:Paeonia; D008517:Phytotherapy; D032281:Smilax; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008543:Melanins; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases