Ethanol Extract of Polygonum Multiflorum and Its Effect on Melanin Synthesis

The study investigated the effects of Polygonum multiflorum radix ethanol extract (PMEE) on melanin synthesis, which is related to black hair growth. The research found that PMEE exhibited antioxidant properties by decreasing DPPH radicals and increasing reducing power, suggesting its potential to eliminate reactive oxygen species involved in hair greying. PMEE was shown to increase tyrosinase activity and promote melanin synthesis, as evidenced by DOPA assay and tyrosinase activity measurements. Additionally, PMEE enhanced the expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2), while decreasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) and catalase, due to its enhanced antioxidant activity. These findings suggested that PMEE could potentially promote melanin synthesis, aiding in the conversion of grey hair to black hair.