Abstract
This study evaluated the change in whitening activity of ${\beta}-glucan$ by gamma-irradiation. Tyrosinase inhibition was significantly increased in the samples with 30, 50, 100 kGy irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$. Melanin synthesis of irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$ was measured from B16BL6 melanoma cell line treated with ${\alpha}-melanin$ stimulating hormone. Melanin synthesis was increased in the ${\alpha}-melanin$ stimulating hormone added group. However, it was decreased in the groups of 30, 50 and 100 kGy gamma-irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$ treated with ${\alpha}-melanin$ stimulating hormone. These results indicate that gamma irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$ may elevate the whitening activity. Therefore, gamma-irradiated ${\beta}-glucan$ could be used for nutraceutical foods in cosmetic industry.