Inhibitory Effect Of Grape Seed Polyphenol Extract And Vitamin C On Melanogenesis In Cultured B16-F1 Melanoma Cells

Background and Objective: The grape seed polyphenol (GSP) is rich in flavonoids and tannins which contributes to diverse pharmacological activities. The current study was undertaken to assess the anti-melanogenesis effect of GSPE on UVA-exposed B16F1 melanoma cells by checking morphological and biochemical changes. Materials and Methods:The present study was sub-divided into three phases. In phase I, the anti-melanogenesis effect of crude grape seed polyphenol extract (GSPE) was checked by comparing with three commercial grape products (A, B and C) in non-UVA exposed B16F1 cells. During phase II, the anti-melanogenesis effect of GSPE was determined on UV-exposed B16F1 cells to reveal the effective dosage. Finally, in phase III the anti-melanogenesis effect of different experimental samples (GSPE; 50 mu g, Vit C; 1 mu g and combo of GSPE- Vit C; 50:1 mu g) were examined on UV-exposed B16F1 cells. Results: The crude GSPE at the dose of 50 mu g exhibited better (p<0.05) melanin inhibitory activity (suppressed melanin synthesis) than commercial grape products (phase I) as well as successfully attenuated (p<0.05) UV-induced photo-oxidative stress by its free radical scavenging activity in phase II. All the experimental samples in phase III presented anti-melanogenesis activity, but crude GSPE (50 mu g) displayed the greatest (p<0.05) melanin inhibitory activity by down regulating tyrosinase activity, thus proving its anti-melanogenesis activity. Conclusion: In this study, crude GSPE (50 mu g) showed the maximum melanin inhibitory activity as it successfully down regulated the tyrosinase activity.