Astragaloside IV Enhances Melanogenesis via the AhR-Dependent AKT/GSK-3β/β-Catenin Pathway in Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes.

ABSTRACT: Astragalus membranaceus root has been widely used for repigmentation treatment in vitiligo, but its mechanism is poorly understood. We sought to investigate the effect of astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a main active extract of the Astragalus membranaceus root, on melanin synthesis in normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Melanin content, tyrosinase activity, qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were employed. Specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA were used to investigate the possible pathway. AS-IV stimulated melanin synthesis and upregulated the expression of melanogenesis-related genes in a concentration-dependent manner in NHEMs. AS-IV could activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and AS-IV-induced melanogenes

SUBMITTER: Liu B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7755484 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature