The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
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J. Pharm. Pharmacol. · Aug 2012
β-Cryptoxanthin suppresses UVB-induced melanogenesis in mouse: involvement of the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and melanocyte-stimulating hormone pathways.
β-cryptoxanthin (β-CPX) is a carotenoid that is widely contained in the fruits of citrus plants. We evaluated the effect of β-CPX on UVB-induced pigmentation and mRNA expression related to melanogenesis in mouse skin. In addition, changes in melanogenic molecules were evaluated in cultured melanocytes stimulated with prostaglandin (PG) E(2), melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and endothelin (ET)-1. ⋯ Oral administration of β-CPX was found to suppress UVB-induced melanogenesis. Suppression of melanogenic enzymes, receptors of melanogenic stimulators, expression and phosphorylation of CREB are thought to be involved in the mechanism.