Anti-melanogenic effects of Kaempferia parviflora extracts via suppression of the PKA/CREB/MAPK-mediated MITF pathways

Kaempferia parviflora (Black ginger) is categorized as an herb within the family Zingiberaceae and is known to exhibit various biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-melanogenic effects of Kaempferia parviflora ethanol extract (KEE) in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. KEE significantly reduced melanin content without cytotoxicity. KEE also exhibited strong antioxidant capacity in both DPPH and ABTS assays. KEE markedly decreased MITF expression and its downstream targets gene (tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2), thereby abrogating α-MSH-induced melanogenesis. Moreover, KEE suppressed the activation of the cAMP-dependent pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of CREB and PKA. Within the MAPK signaling, KEE reduced p38 and JNK phosphorylation in the MAPK pathway while slightly enhancing ERK phosphorylation. This finding indicated that Kaempferia parviflora extract has potential not only as a tropical functional cosmetic agent but also as an effective function food ingredient for inner beauty to improve skin pigmentation.