In vitro anti-melanoma effect of polyphenolic compounds

Objective: To evaluate the effects of phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, and coumaric acids) and flavones (luteolin and apigenin) on the proliferation and melanogenesis in murine melanoma B16-F10 cells. Methods: Cell proliferation was determined after 24 and 48 hours of incubation using MTT assay. The effects of these tested compounds on cell cycle progression were analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, the melanin content and tyrosinase activity were measured spectrophotometrically at 475 nm. Results: Luteolin and apigenin exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity against B16-F10 cells, while caffeic, ferulic, and coumaric acids induced slight inhibition after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. The tested compounds disturbed cell cycle progression of B16-F10, by a subsequent decrease in G1 and arrested cycle progression in either G1/S or G2/M phase. Furthermore, apigenin provoked an increase in melanin content of B16-F10 cells. In contrast, luteolin, caffeic, ferulic and coumaric acids induced a decrease in melanin content of B16-F10 cells by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Conclusions: These active polyphenols may be used as skin whitening agents or natural tanning agents to treat skin pigmentation disorders.