Effects of theaflavins on melanin biosynthesis in mouse b16 melanoma cells

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2009 Jun;73(6):1429-31. doi: 10.1271/bbb.80880. Epub 2009 Jun 7.

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of theaflavins, polyphenols in black tea, on alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alphaMSH)-induced melanogenesis in mouse B16 melanoma cells. Among theaflavins, theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF-3) exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on melanogenesis. Our results indicate that the inhibitory effect of TF-3 on melanogenesis is due to suppression of tyrosinase protein and mRNA levels.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Biflavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Catechin / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Primers
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Melanins / biosynthesis*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / enzymology
  • Melanoma, Experimental / metabolism*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology
  • Mice
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / genetics
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Biflavonoids
  • DNA Primers
  • Melanins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • theaflavin
  • Catechin
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase