• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.292-296
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• 2009

Tyrosinase catalyzes melanin synthesis in skin melanocytes. The effects of Paeonia sufficinalis water extract (MDP) on antioxidant and tyrosinase activities have been studied in a cell-free system and mouse melanoma B16 cell. Radical scavenging activity of MDP was tested by DPPH assay and it showed high DPPH radical scavenging activity. The cellular tyrosinase activity was measured in mouse melanoma B16 cell by RT-PCR and enzyme activity. Treatment with MDP for 24 hr resulted in decreased tyrosinase mRNA level. Tyrosinase activity was decreased, compared with control, in cells exposed to MDP. Thus, Paeonia sufficinalis water extracts may be a candidate for cosmetic use.