Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a powerful vasoconstrictor and mitogen for melanocytes, might be the underlying cause of pigmentation following ultraviolet (UVB) irradiation. Six botanical extracts were examined for their inhibitory effects on ET-1 secretion in porcine aortic endothelial cells. We observed that the extract of Sechium edule fruit reduces ET-1 secretion in human keratinocytes following UVB irradiation. Therefore, the extract of S. edule fruit may be useful as a whitening agent for the skin.
