The effect and mechanism of ethanol extract from Wedelia chinensis on melanogenesis of B16 melanoma cells

Objective To study the effect and potential mechanism of ethanol extracts from Wedelia chinensis(EEW) on melanogenesis of B16 murine melanoma cells.Methods B16 cells were incubated with different concentrations of EEW for 72 h,and then cell viability was measured by MTT method,tyrosinase activity by L-dopa oxidative reaction,and melanogenesis by NaOH method,respectively.The mRNA expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia associated transcription factor(MITF) were detected by RT-PCR.Results In the range of experimental dose,EEW slightly increased cell viability.The activity of tyrosinase and production of melanin were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner.The increased gene expression of tyrosinase and MITF were also observed in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion EEW can directly stimulate melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells,which may be mediated by promoting cell proliferation and increasing expression of tyrosinase and MITF.