A Study on the Melanin Synthesis Inhibition and Whitening Effect of Schizandrae Fructus

Nam-Kwen Kim Objective : The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Schizandrae Fructus on melanin synthesis inhibition and whitening effect. Methods : We assessed inhibitory effects of Schizandrae Fructus on melanin-release from B16F10, on melanin production in B16F10, on mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro, on tyrosinase activity in B16F10 and effect of Schizandrae Fructus on the expression tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, PKA, ERK-1 ERK-2, AKT-1, MITF in B16F10. Results and Conclusion : 1. Schizandrae Fructus inhibited melanin-release, melanin production in B16F10. 2. Schizandrae Fructus inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro and in B16F10. 3. Schizandrae Fructus suppressed the expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, PKA, ERK-2 in B16F10.Key word : Schizandrae Fructus, melanin-release, melanin production, tyrosinase, whitening ef fect