Ethanolic Extract\nof Bergenia purpurascens Exhibits Antimelanogenic\nEffects in B16F10 Cells through Multiple\nMechanisms That Suppress Tyrosinase

Bergenia purpurascens,\nrenowned\nfor its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, remains relatively\nunexplored in its impact on melanogenesis. This study delves into\nthe antimelanogenic potential of the ethanol extract derived from B. purpurascens (BPE). Our investigations reveal\nthe robust antioxidant capabilities of the BPE, along with its effective\ninhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity. Remarkably, these effects\nwere significantly stronger than those observed with arbutin, the\npositive control. In vitro assays demonstrate the BPE’s efficacy\nin reducing the melanin content and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated\nB16F10 cells. Immunofluorescence and qPCR analyses further reveal\nthe BPE’s ability to inhibit MITF-mediated gene expression\nlevels associated with melanogenesis, including <i>Trp-1</i>, <i>Trp-2</i>, and tyrosinase. These findings suggest\nthat the extract operates through dual mechanisms, suppressing both\ntyrosinase activity and key transcription factor-mediated downstream\nsignaling. Utilizing UPLC-MS/MS analysis, we identified six key compounds\nimplicated in tyrosinase activity inhibition and melanogenesis suppression.\nDocking simulations confirm moderate binding affinities between these\ncompounds and tyrosinase. This study highlights the potential of B. purpurascens as a novel natural agent for depigmentation\nin medicinal and cosmetic applications, elucidating its dual mechanism\nof action in melanogenesis inhibition.