Photoprotective Effect of Topical EGb 761 and Korean Red Ginseng in C57BL/6 Mice

Exposure to UVB radiation can cause diverse biological photodamage to skin. Eeb 761 and Korean red ginseng are the major and most effective natural drug against a variety of oxidative damage. But, the protective effects against UVB radiation have not been clearly identified. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of topical EGb 761 and Korean red ginseng on pigmentation by UVB radiation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines($IL-l{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$) and melanogenesis proteins(tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2) mRNA were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) analysis. The in vivo protection against pigmentation was calculated using chromameter. The mRNA level of IL-lf and TNF-a were increased by UVB irradiation in treated and non-treated group, while no significant changes were observed in IL-6 level. Topical treatment with EGb 761 and Korean red ginseng remarkably reduced expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 in the non-irradiated and irradiated skin. Application of EGb 761 and Korean red ginseng significantly protected the WB-induced skin pigmentation and Korean red ginseng was more effective. Our study suggests that topical ECb761 and Korean red ginseng can regulate melanogenic proteins and protect UVB radiation on skin pigmentation.