Objective  To explore the freckle-removing and whitening effect of Gynura procumbens compound preparation (GPCP).

Methods  The whitening effectiveness of GPCP was evaluated in vitro by ultraviolet scanning, tyrosinase inhibition rate determination and free radical scavenging experiments. A UV-induced pigmentation model was established to detect the pigmentation-regulating ability of GPCP and the expression levels of β-catenin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9).

Results  The results of the in vitro test showed that GPCP had higher ultraviolet absorption capacity than that of the positive drug arbutin. The active ingredients chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid B in Gynura procumbens not only showed strong free radical scavenging activity, but also showed strong inhibitory ability of tyrosinase activity. The results of animal experiments showed that low-dose and high-dose GPCP on the 1st, 7th, and 15th days could reduce the melanin content and the expression levels of β-catenin, COX-2 and MMP-9 proteins in the skin.

Conclusion  GPCP can reduce UV-induced pigmentation in skin through its good antioxidant activity and tyrosinase inhibitory activity, which may be achieved by down-regulating MMP-9-COX-2/β-catenin signaling pathway.

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