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Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
Selaginellin Inhibits Melanogenesis via the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Ying Zhou1, Hong-Liang Zeng2, Xin-Yue Wen2
1Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha 410013, China.
Abstract:
Hyperpigmented skin diseases such as melasma, freckles, and melanosis usually mar the appearance of patients. Traditional herbal medicines are highly accepted in inhibiting skin pigmentation, with advantages of high efficiency, low cost, and low side effects. Selaginellin (SEL), one of the active compounds of selaginella, has been proved to be exhibit antineoplastic, antioxidant, antisenescence, and antiapoptosis activities. In this study, we found that SEL can inhibit melanogenesis in vitro and in vivo. A mechanism study found that SEL inhibits melanogenesis through inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, then down-regulating the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and downstream genes tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TYRP2). UVB-activated paracrine function of fibroblasts and keratinocytes promotes melanogenesis of melanocytes. Interestingly, SEL antagonizes UVB-activated paracrine function of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. These findings indicate that SEL can be a potential whitening compound to inhibit melanogenesis.
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