Melanogenesis Inhibitory Effect of Steamed Platycodon grandiflorum on B16F10 Cells

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate and compare effects of bioactive constituents in ethanol extracts of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) using a threestep steaming process. Methods: The cell viability of PG and steamed PG extracts in α-MSH-induced B16F10 melanoma cells was investigated. Melanin content was determined, and western blotting was performed to examine the whitening effect of the steamed PG extracts. Results: Treatment of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 melanoma cells with steamed PG (25–200 μg/mL) did not affect the cell viability. The steamed PG extracts effectively protected melanin formation. Furthermore, the steamed PG extract inhibited well-known melanin generation-related factors, such as tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP- 1) and TRP-2. Conclusion: The steamed PG extracts are potentially effective in suppressing melanin generation and related factors in α-MSH-induced B16F10 cells.