7,8-Dimethoxycoumarin stimulates melanogenesis via MAPKs mediated MITF upregulation

Background: Melanin in the skin is the defense against the harmful UV radiation, which is considered as one of the major risk factors for skin cancer. The compound 7,8-dimethoxycoumarin (DMC, C₁₁H₁₀O₄), a natural coumarin molecule present in several medicinal plants, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the mechanism underlying its effects on melanogenesis in melanocytes is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of DMC on melanogenesis activation in B16F10 melanoma cells. Methods: We examined the cytotoxic range of DMC on B16F10 melanoma cells and increased effects of melanogenesis, and intracellular tyrosinase activity. In addition, regulation mechanisms were assessed by Western blot analysis. Results: The results showed that DMC significantly increased melanin content and tyrosinase activity in the cells without being cytotoxic. Furthermore, DMC stimulated the expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF thereby activating melanin production and Akt phosphorylation was increased in the Akt signaling pathway. on the contrary, interfering with the phosphorylation of ERK in the MAPKs pathway. Conclusions: These results suggest that DMC may serve as a candidate for potential melanin-producing activator and anti-gray hair applications.