LAUSR

Abstract Macrocyclic bisbibenzyl compound, marchantin A, naturally occurring in liverworts belonging to genus Marchantia, was isolated and assessed for their cytotoxicity against two different lines of human skin cells - immortalized human keratinocytes HaCaT and human malignant melanoma cells A375. The purpose of the studies was also to examine the anti-hyperpigmentation effect of marchantin A, especially used in concentrations assessed as safe to normal human keratinocytes while simultaneously toxic for malignant melanoma cells. The data showed that marchantin A was cytotoxic for A375 melanoma cells (IC50 = 11.97, 7.45 and 9.80 μg/mL), nevertheless less cytotoxic for normal keratinocytes. Assay conducted for mushroom tyrosinase activity showed also that this compound did not affect the dopachrome formation during enzymatic reaction in concentrations previously assessed as safe for normal human cell. To our knowledge this is the first report showing anti-melanoma activity of marchantin A and assessing its activity against tyrosinase. Obtained results indicate potential application of marchantin A as a potential active ingredient for pharmaceutical and dermatological products.