Regulation of eumelanogenesis-related genes by ethanol extract of Melaleuca leucadendron leaves.

This article focuses on the regulation of eumelanogenesis-related genes by the ethanol extract of Melaleuca leucadendron leaves (MLL) and its potential as a natural skin-brightening agent. The study demonstrates that MLL significantly inhibits α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells by downregulating key melanogenesis genes and proteins, including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP-1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), without cytotoxic effects. Additionally, MLL reduced melanin content in a 3D human pigmented epidermis skin model, showing greater inhibitory effects than arbutin, a known tyrosinase inhibitor. The presence of quercetin, a flavonoid known to suppress melanin synthesis, was confirmed in MLL, suggesting it may contribute to the observed antimelanogenic effects. These findings indicate that MLL could serve as a safe and effective agent for skin brightening by modulating eumelanin synthesis pathways.