Hyperin and quercetin modulate oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis.

Hyperin and quercetin are phenolic compounds present in fruits and vegetables that have been reported to possess strong anti-oxidative properties. Although increasing evidence strongly suggests that antioxidants suppress the melanin synthesis that is causally associated with oxidative stress, the protective actions of hyperin and quercetin against oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis have not been fully explored. To elucidate the suppressive effects of hyperin and quercetin on oxidative stress and melanin synthesis, peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) scavenging activity was measured in vitro as were quantifications of melanin content, intracellular total RS, ONOO(-), superoxide ((•)O(2)), nitric oxide (NO(•)), catalase activity and the reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio. Results showed that in vitro, hyperin and quercetin reduced ONOO(-). Additionally, hyperin and quercetin suppressed total RS, ONOO(-), (•)O(2), and NO(•), catalase activity, and melanin synthesis, while they boosted the GSH/GSSG ratio in B16F10 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Therefore, I propose that hyperin and quercetin have a powerful capacity to modulate oxidative stress-induced melanogenesis.