White Ginseng Ethanol Extract (WGEE) Inhibits Tyrosinase and Melanogenesis via MITF Downregulation in B16F10 Cells

Hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma and freckles are common cosmetic concerns that have increased interest in safe, naturally occurring compounds for melanin production control. This study investigated white ginseng ethanol extract (WGEE) from the Geonsam cultivar of Panax ginseng as a potential functional ingredient for skin-whitening applications. WGEE was prepared by extracting white ginseng with 70% ethanol at 40°C for 24 hours. Chemical composition was analyzed using UPLC and colorimetric assays. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated via DPPH and ABTS assays, and tyrosinase inhibition was measured spectrophotometrically. B16F10 melanoma cells were assessed for cytotoxicity, melanin content, and melanogenesis-related proteins using MTT assay and Western blot analysis. Molecular docking evaluated ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 binding with tyrosinase. WGEE showed antioxidant activity with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging of 18.18% and 48.54% at 200 µg/mL. In α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, WGEE at 40 µg/mL reduced melanin production by 33.65% and downregulated MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 expression similar to arbutin. Molecular docking revealed binding energies of -8.1 kcal/mol for Rg1 and − 6.2 kcal/mol for Rb1, suggesting direct tyrosinase inhibition. WGEE demonstrates potential as a natural cosmetic ingredient for skin whitening and pigmentation control.