# Eucommia ulmoides extract attenuates oxidative stress and promotes melanogenesis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in B16 cells and mice

## TL;DR

Eucommia ulmoides extract reduces oxidative stress and boosts melanin production in cells and mice by activating a key signaling pathway.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel mechanism by which EUE activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to combat oxidative stress and promote melanogenesis.

## Key findings

- EUE reduced ROS levels and improved melanocyte survival under oxidative stress.
- EUE activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, increasing MITF and melanogenic enzymes.
- Topical EUE application protected hair follicles from H2O2-induced depigmentation in mice.

## Abstract

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to melanocyte dysfunction and hair graying by impairing key signaling pathways. Eucommia ulmoides bark extract (EUE), rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, has shown potential in combating oxidative damage. This study investigated the protective and promelanogenic effects of EUE under hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress, with a focus on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

An oxidative stress model was established using B16 cells and a C57BL/6 mouse hair follicle model.

EUE significantly improved melanocyte survival and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, EUE activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, leading to upregulation of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and its downstream melanogenic enzymes (TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2), thereby enhancing tyrosinase activity and restoring melanin synthesis. In vivo, topical application of EUE protected hair follicles from H2O2-induced depigmentation and promoted follicular pigmentation.

Our results demonstrate that EUE mitigates oxidative stress and promotes melanogenesis primarily by activating the Wnt/β-catenin-MITF signaling axis. These findings provide strong mechanistic evidence supporting EUE as a potential therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-related hair graying.