Hyperin and quercetin modulate oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis

Abstract

Hyperin and quercetin are phenolic compounds present in fruits and vegetables that have been reported to possess strong anti-oxidative properties. Although increasing evidence strongly suggests that antioxidants suppress the melanin synthesis that is causally associated with oxidative stress, the protective actions of hyperin and quercetin against oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis have not been fully explored. To elucidate the suppressive effects of hyperin and quercetin on oxidative stress and melanin synthesis, peroxynitrite (ONOO-) scavenging activity was measured in vitro as were quantifications of melanin content, intracellular total RS, ONOO -, superoxide (.O2), nitric oxide (NO.), catatase activity and the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio. Results showed that in vitro, hyperin and quercetin reduced ONOO-. Additionally, hyperin and quercetin suppressed total RS, ONOO-, .O2, and NO., catalase activity, and melanin synthesis, while they boosted the GSH/GSSG ratio in B16F10 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Therefore, I propose that hyperin and quercetin have a powerful capacity to modulate oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis. © 2012 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.