Abstract

Objective : Cortex of Ulmi pumilae(CUP) has been used to treat several diseases including boil, swelling, and scabies etc. Recently, CUP was known to have wrinkle care and whitening actions. But, It's exact mechanisms are unclear. Methods : The present study was designed to investigate effects of CUP on Human HaCaT keratinocyte and malignant melanoma cells such as SK-MEL-2 and B16F10 in terms of cell viabilities, proliferations, DPPH free radical scavenging activities, oxygen free radical productions and inhibitory action on elastase activities. Results : CUP accelerated proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes in the lower concentration. CUP also prevented cell death of HaCaT induced by Hydrogen peroxide, which products oxygen free radicals. On the contrary, CUP did not affect proliferations of SK-MEL-2 or B16F10. Futhermore, CUP showed inhibitory action against SK-MEL-2 proliferation at the concentration of $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ In addition, CUP was shown to have DPPH free radical scavenging activities and also have inhibitory effects on elastase activities too. On the fluorescent examinations, the present author knows that CUP elevated production levels of oxygen free radicals in malignant melanoma cell, SK-MEL-2. Conclusions : These results suggest that CUP has possibilities of usage for functional cosmetics which have wrinkle care and whitening activities and related mechanisms are involved in inhibition of elastase action and acceleration of oxidative stress in melanoma cell.

Keywords

• Cortex Ulmi pumilae;
• anti-cancer effect