The Experimental Study on Inhibitory Effects of Wild Ginseng Pharmacopuncture Solution on Melanin Biosynthesis

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wild ginseng pharmacopuncture on melanin production in B16/F10 murine melanoma cells. Methods: To determine the effect of wild ginseng pharmacopuncture solution on B16/F10 cells, cytotoxicity was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. To observe B16/F10 cell growth, death, and morphological changes, Trypan blue solution was used. The Hosoi method was used to investigate the effect of wild ginseng pharmacopuncture solution on melanin production. The Martinez-Esparza method was used to investigate the effect of wild ginseng pharmacopuncture solution on tyrosinase activity. To determine the pathway involved in the melanogenesis in cells exposed to wild ginseng pharmacopuncture solution, a cell-free tyrosinase was used. Results: Following treatment with 200 µL of wild ginseng solution, the cell survival rate was 76.32 ± 2.45% which significantly decreased with higher concentrations (µL) of wild ginseng (up to 200 µL). When 100 µL of wild ginseng was used, the cell survival rate was 89.95 ± 2.07%. No morphological changes or abnormalities were observed in the B16/F10 murine melanoma cells as observed in the Trypan blue test. Melanin production was significantly reduced to 72.17 ± 3.74% at 100 µL. Using 100 µL of wild ginseng solution, tyrosinase activity was significantly decreased to 80.15 ± 1.05%. Wild ginseng pharmacopuncture solution reduced melanin production both directly and indirectly. Conclusion: This study suggests that wild ginseng pharmacopuncture solution may be effective in inhibiting melanin production. Further studies are needed to determine safe and effective clinical applications.