Antimelanogenic Effect of Ginsenoside Rg3 Through Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Mediated Inhibition of Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor

The study investigated the antimelanogenic effects of ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) from Panax ginseng, known for its antioxidative, antitumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. G-Rg3 significantly inhibited melanin synthesis in normal human epidermal melanocytes and B16F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner by reducing the activity of cellular tyrosinase and the expression of MITF, tyrosinase, and TRP1, while strongly activating ERK. The use of PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, attenuated these effects, indicating that ERK activation is crucial for G-Rg3's antimelanogenic action. The findings suggested that G-Rg3 could be a promising and safe skin-whitening agent, enhancing the cosmetic applications of P. ginseng.