Ethanolic Extract of Bergenia purpurascens Exhibits Antimelanogenic Effects in B16F10 Cells through Multiple Mechanisms That Suppress Tyrosinase

Abstract

Bergenia purpurascens, renowned for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, remains relatively unexplored in its impact on melanogenesis. This study delves into the antimelanogenic potential of the ethanol extract derived from B. purpurascens (BPE). Our investigations reveal the robust antioxidant capabilities of the BPE, along with its effective inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity. Remarkably, these effects were significantly stronger than those observed with arbutin, the positive control. In vitro assays demonstrate the BPE’s efficacy in reducing the melanin content and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. Immunofluorescence and qPCR analyses further reveal the BPE’s ability to inhibit MITF-mediated gene expression levels associated with melanogenesis, including Trp-1, Trp-2, and tyrosinase. These findings suggest that the extract operates through dual mechanisms, suppressing both tyrosinase activity and key transcription factor-mediated downstream signaling. Utilizing UPLC-MS/MS analysis, we identified six key compounds implicated in tyrosinase activity inhibition and melanogenesis suppression. Docking simulations confirm moderate binding affinities between these compounds and tyrosinase. This study highlights the potential of B. purpurascens as a novel natural agent for depigmentation in medicinal and cosmetic applications, elucidating its dual mechanism of action in melanogenesis inhibition.