Anti-melanogenic Activities of Different Extracts from Pistacia atlantica subsp. Kurdica

Background: Pistacia is a genus of flowering plants from the Anacardiaceae family that grows in different parts of Iran. This genus has different pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic effect of different extracts and essential oil from unripe fruits of P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica on B16F10 cell line. Methods: The inhibitory effect was determined on the synthesis of melanin, cellular tyrosinase, mushroom tyrosinase activity, and oxidative stress by the colorimetric and fluorometric methods. Results: The data showed that all different concentrations of various P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica extracts had no cytotoxic effect on B16F10 cells compared to the control group. Kojic acid as positive control had significant decreasing effects on tyrosinase activity, melanin content, and ROS production (P 0.001). Different concentrations of P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica extracts decreased all measured parameters, including cellular tyrosinase and melanin content, as well as ROS production. Also, the essential oil concentration had no significant effect in this study. The major essential oil components were α-pinene 60.1%, myrcene 8.0%, and β-pinene 5.2%. Conclusions: The melanogenesis inhibitory and antioxidant effects of P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica on B16F10 cells may suggest this plant as a new pharmaceutical agent in reducing skin pigment and aging in the cosmetic industry.