ISSN 1017-2548(Print)
ISSN 2234-8530(Online)
Volume 44, Number 6
JKCSEZ 44(6)
December 20, 2000 

Melanization of B16 melanoma cells was comparatively studied by the aqueous extract of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK) and α-MSH. In addition, inhibitory effects of RA was investigated. B16 melanoma cells(about 1×10⁵) have been shown an increase in tyrosinase activity and melanin contents in proportion to concentration of α-MSH when treated with α-MSH and incubated for 72 hrs. They indicated a 350% increase in tyrosinase activity and a 290% increase in melanin contents at 8 ng/mL. In case of EK, they have been shown a 200% increase in tyrosinase activity and a 180% increase in melanin contents at 100 ㎍/mL. In addition of RA to the above condition, they have been shown an inhibition from 350% to 210% in tyrosinase activity and from 290% to 250% in melanin contents in α-MSH, and inhibition from 200% to 100% in tyrosinase activity and from 180% to 120% in melanin contents in EK. From the above results, it is suggested that EK promotes melanization of B16 melanoma cells through cAMP pathway, whereas RA inhibits it.