The extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum was tested to control the melanogenesis in B16 melanoma. Cytotoxic effect by the extract was observed when the dose concentration was higher than 2 mg/L. Most of the inhibitory effect was obtained by the reduced accumulation of extra-cellular melanin. When the extract was dosed as 2 mg/L, the extra-cellular melanin produced was only 24% of the control. Proteome analysis with 2-D PAGE showed that various proteins involved in melanogenesis were down-regulated by Gynostemma pentaphyllum. In addition to other proteins related to the intra-cellular melanogenesis, Rab-27b and Rab-38 could explain the remarkable decrease in extra-cellular melanin accumulation by reduced melanin transfer to keratinocyte.
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Shola SS, Barbara EK, Veterinary Dermatology, 14, 57, 2003