Pharmacological effect and possible mechanism of Mudan Huaban recipe on melasma in mice induced by ultraviolet B and progesterone.

Objective: To analyze the chemical components of Mudan Huaban recipe (, MHR) and evaluate its efficacy and possible mechanism in melasma mice.

Methods: The chemical compositions of MHR were determined by the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-exactive mass spectrometry method. Female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to ultraviolet B and progesterone for 21 d to induce melasma, and Fontana-Masson staining was used to assess the effects of MHR on melasma. Luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonic dialdehyde content were detected by chemiluminescence. Tyrosinase and related proteins expressions were detected by Western blots and immunohistochemistry.

Results: A total of 43 chemical components were identified in MHR, MHR significantly decreased the melanin particles of melasma mice. MHR treatment significantly reversed the high contents of LH and low activity of SOD in models. MHR significantly reduced the higher levels of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related proteins-1 (TRP-1), TRP-2, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (p-CREB)/CREB in the skin of melasma mice.

Conclusions: MHR protects against melasma via regulation of sex hormones, oxidative stress, and melanogenesis-related proteins, suggesting its possible use as a supplement and alternative drug therapy for melasma.