Plant stem cell production from Hordeum vulgare L. and in vitro assessment of its extract in skin whitening

Abstract

Introduction: Agents as sun radiation may cause skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Using plants in cosmetic treatments is popular as they have less side effects. Utilizing plant stem cells is a new approach in formulating cosmetic creams that are plant based. Plant stem cells are rich of anti-oxidants, growth factors and many other compounds, therefore they are an invaluable resource of plant-based active ingredients. Barley has had various applications since long time ago because of its many different properties which recent studies have shown anti-melanogenesis and whitening effects of the barley plant. Goal: Plant stem cell production from Hordeum vulgare L. and in-vitro assessment of its extract in skin whitening. Methods: Barley seed were planted and calluses were obtained. Calluses extracts were prepared via the maceration method with 80 % ethanol and water as solvents. Extract content was studied to determine the amount of phenols, flavonoids, solid residue and antioxidant properties. In vitro studies were investigated on murine melanoma cell lines (B16F10) via following tests: cell viability, inhibition of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase function, inhibition of expression of certain proteins that are involved in melanogenesis. Results: Total phenol, Flavonoid content and inhibition of oxygen radicals showed higher results for ethanolic extract. Cell viability, relative oxidative stress induction, autophagy, DNA decomposition and apoptosis assay showed the superiority of ethanolic extract in inducing cell death. Also, melanin content assay and study of L-dopa oxidation showed higher percentage of inhibition of melanin synthesis and L-dopa oxidation for water extract. Both ethanolic and water extracts reduced the expression of proteins involved in melanogenesis. Conclusion: Our results proved that barley callus extracts have whitening effects. Barley cell extract could be a new active ingredient in formulation of whitening creams, which also has less side effects than the whiteners available in market.