• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.57-77
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• 2003

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the depigmentation effects of Barley, Unpolished rice, Job's-tear. Metbods: We investigated that the extracts of Barley, Unpolished rice, Job's-tear inhibit activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme which convert ts 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) alanine to dopachrom in the biosynthetic process of melanin, the UV absorbance of the extracts in the UV-A region and UV-B region was measured by UV scanning, the effect of extracts on cell viability and melanin production in cultured B16 mouse melanoma cells were measured, and cytoprotective effects of extracts on PC12 cells injured by hydrogen peroxide measured by MTT assay. Results: The extracts of Barley, Unpolished rice, Job's-tear inhibited activity of tyrosinase in low density. The Barley, Job's-tear extracts not only showed inhibitory effects on melanin production in cultured B16 mouse melanoma cells, but also exhibited cytoprotective effects on PC12 cells injured by hydrogen peroxide in low density. Unpolished rice extract showed inhibitory effect on melanin production in cultured B16 mouse melanoma cells, but did not showed cytoprotective effect Barley, Unpolished rice, Job's-tear extracts did not showed an absorbance effect in the UV-A region and UV-8 region. Conclusions: These results suggest that Barley, Unpolished rice, Job's-tear inhibit melanin biosynthesis which is involved in hyperpigmentation and could be used as a whitening agent.