According to researchers from Daejeon University and Fifteen Degrees Ltd., both based in South Korea, while the skin brightening effect of Ligularia fischeri (gomchwi) is known, its mechanism of action has not thoroughly been investigated. They recently published work in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examining this effect more closely.
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The effects of L. fischeri on the expression of melanogenesis-related genes were tested by qPCR in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. In addition, Western blotting was performed to determine protein expression levels.
L. fischeri was shown to inhibit melanin synthesis by decreasing tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 and 2 expression. In addition, it regulated tyrosinase by suppressing microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression and activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation.
The authors concluded L. fischeri ethanol extract may be an effective skin brightening agent in functional cosmetics. For additional details, see the full open access article.
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