Influence of Four Phlomis Species on Melanogenesis in Human Malignant Melanoma (SKMEL-3) Cells

Abstract

<strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Phytochemical studies have shown that the <em>Phlomis</em> species are rich in polyphenolics and iridoid glycosides and many of them have shown potential value in different biological and pharmacological activities. In this study, we evaluated the effect of <em>Phlomis persica</em>, <em>P. brugieri</em>, <em>P. olivieri</em> and <em>P. anisodontea</em> extracts on melanin production in human malignant melanoma (SKMEL-3) cells. <strong>Methods: </strong>The anti-tyrosinase activity of the extracts was investigated using mushroom tyrosinase assay<strong>. </strong>Cytotoxicity potentials were examined through MTT assay on SKMEL-3 cell line and then the level of melanin formation in SKMEL-3 cells was determined. <strong>Results: </strong>The anti-tyrosinase activity of the <em>Phlomis</em> extracts was not remarkable (about 0.1 mg/mL). All extracts significantly increased the melanin content in SKMEL-3 cells at 0.25 mg/mL and among them<em> P. anisodontea</em> extract seemed to be more efficient in stimulating melanin production. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on our results, we suggest these total extracts particularly <em>P. anisodontea</em> extract contain the potent skin browning agents that can be used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.