Apigenin promotes melanogenesis and melanosome transport through the c-KIT/Raf-1/MAPK/CREB pathway in HEMCs
These findings demonstrate that apigenin stimulates melanogenesis through a novel c-KIT-dependent signaling pathway and promotes functional pigmentation with photoprotective benefits. Given its dietary origin, favorable safety profile, and multifaceted mechanisms, apigenin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for vitiligo and a natural pigmentation enhancer for dermatological use.
Authors
- Xiaohong An
- Jinpeng Lv (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3573-3357)
- Huansha Zhang
- Rongyin Gao
- Chengxian Yin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9221-5102)
- Duo Meng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2694-7533)
- Wenhui Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4800-4628)
- Kun Zou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7693-0608)
Institutions
- Soochow University (CN)
- The First People's Hospital of Changzhou (CN)
- Changzhou University (CN)
- Yunnan Botanee Biotechnology Group Co.
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Pharmacology
- Published
- 2025-04-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1572878
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- melanin and skin pigmentation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.45
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Government of Jiangsu Province
- Qinglan Project of Jiangsu Province of China